Isaiah 40:1-11  

The Word of God will stand forever. 

Readings for today: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121024.cfm  

By Linda Ramirez 

Advent – the time of preparation. How many Advents have I been a part of over the years? Preparing to make my sacraments, the advent of my graduations, the advent of my marriage, the advent of the birth of my children, and countless advents afterward as the children grew.  All were joyful and exciting times as I planned for the special occasions. However, none of these advents can possibly compare to the Season of Advent, a time to prepare for the coming of Our Lord, Our Savior, Our Emmanuel, Our King…. Our Jesus. 

Preparing for Christmas has always been so much fun for me. I love the hustle and bustle; the baking and cooking; the shopping and the decorating. Aside from the traditional tree and outdoor lights, I have two sidebars in my home that I decorate for Christmas – one is an Advent table, and the other a Nativity table. But as I meditate on today’s readings, in light of my personal journey, I see all of this for what it truly is…simply decorations! 

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated…” (Is. 40:2). Though this verse refers to the Old Covenant coming to fulfillment as the New Covenant is instituted, today I take it more literally.  Today, I know that after receiving a diagnosis of advanced Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, that my service to God here on earth is coming to an end. I find myself asking, “What can I do for you, Lord?” The answer is that I can share my faith.  

Today, the Prophet Isaiah continues to remind me of my mortality: “All flesh is grass…The grass withers when the breadth of the LORD blows upon it… Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever” (Is. 40:8). Meditating on this, I KNOW that the word of God IS Jesus. The Word was made flesh, born incarnate of the Virgin Mary; suffered, died, was buried and rose again – defeating death. I know He came into this world to atone for my sins; thereby, saving me from eternal death. I know that He stands forever, at my side. “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom” (Is. 40:11). 

May our Lord, nestle you and me in the comfort of his arms this Advent season. 

Linda Ramirez

Today’s Gospel transcends time. It begins when the Angel Gabriel came to Mary

Readings for today: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm  

By Michael Mozzicato 

Today’s Gospel transcends time. It begins when the Angel Gabriel came to Mary to explain her favor with God and her soon to be conception of baby Jesus. His words began with, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” When you think about it, that day was the first time those words were ever spoken. Fast forward to today. Most Catholics are taught these words as children when learn to pray The Hail Mary.  

Mary’s conception set into motion the stories we have learned about the life and death of Jesus. She at first feared but quickly accepted when the angel said. She trusted in God as I do today. My personal journey towards a deeper faith in God began eleven years ago on my Emmaus Retreat.  What started with my fear, turned to total surrender, finding grace, and believing nothing is impossible with God. I started to learn then how to give myself to the Lord as Mary did without question. 

May I challenge you during this Advent to surrender yourself to God as Mary did? 

Michael Mozzicato has attended St Anne since soon after the new church was built and prior to that was a parishioner of Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon. He is dedicated to growing our Men’s Emmaus Ministry here at St. Annes with twice yearly retreats that inspire Men to find greater intimacy with God through prayer, fellowship and community support.