Fr. Kevin

Advent is such a beautiful time of the liturgical year—a season of joyful anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. But let’s be honest: life doesn’t always make it easy to feel that joy. Sometimes, the weight of our struggles or the challenges we’re facing can make it hard to “get in the mood,” as they say. 

Readings for today: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120424.cfm  

By Alex Botardo

That’s why today’s readings are such a gift. They remind us that God’s care for us is constant and abundant, no matter what we’re going through. In Isaiah, we hear about a divine banquet where suffering is wiped away—a vision of hope for all of us. Psalm 23 reassures us that God is like a shepherd, gently guiding and protecting us, even in life’s darkest moments. And in Matthew’s Gospel, we see Jesus’ compassion in action as He heals the sick and feeds a hungry crowd, meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. 

These readings remind us to lean on God, especially when life feels overwhelming. He doesn’t just care about our big struggles—He’s there for the small, everyday burdens too. Even when we don’t see a way forward, we can trust that He’s working behind the scenes for our good. If we turn to Him in prayer, we’ll find the peace and strength we need to keep going. 

As we journey through Advent, I’d like to ask for your prayers. My wife and I are caring for my elderly mother, and while it’s a blessing, it’s also a challenge. Please pray that God gives us the strength to care for her and meet her needs. And we’ll be praying for you, too—that God gives you the courage to follow His will, even when you find it difficult. 

Let’s hold each other in prayer and remember: no matter what we’re facing, God’s love is always greater. 

Alex, his wife Maryanne, and their children attended St. Anne’s from 2008 to 2011 while stationed at MacDill AFB. He recently retired from the Air Force after 27 years and returned to the parish with his family 

Luke 10:23-24 

New International Version 

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” 

Readings for today: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120324.cfm  

By Don and Kathy Vore 

Advent has barely begun yet we began seeing holiday decorations and hearing Christmas carols sung before Thanksgiving.  Like many people, we felt this was too early – too early and too commercial.   

The closing lines of today’s Gospel are a vibrant reminder of what it is we anticipate each day this month.  We are encouraged to open our eyes and ears.  To be vigilant.  Those commercial decorations and sometimes tasteless songs are signs for us.  The words may not say it, the pictures may not show it, but they remind us that Christmas is coming.  And Christmas is more than an ordinary gift.  It is an extraordinary gift from the Lord our God.  The Gift of His Son, the Baby Jesus, our Savior.   

No matter how commercialized those jingles and advertising pictures are, they remind us of Who is coming.  When we open our eyes and ears, they are a call for us to pray each day of Advent.  To pray in gratitude and thanksgiving for the Gift of the Baby Jesus.  Will you open your eyes and ears this Advent? 

Don Vore, OFS, & Kathy Vore, OFS, are members of San Damiano Fraternity of the Order of Secular Franciscans.  They follow the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi: Living Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel.  They have been Living Stones of this Parish since 2012.