Here, it is believed, the archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would become the mother of the Son of God. Mary uttered her
consent:
"Let it be done to me according to your word." Carved in Latin across the façade over the triple-doorway entrance: "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).
Inside the Church of the Annunciation is a beautiful statue depicting Our Lady of Nazareth, a young Mary, filled with youth, filled with joy, filled with faith. The picture is of that statue in Nazareth.
There are many images of our Lady, Mary, the Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, handed down through the tradition of the Church. Some of these beautiful images are aligned with ethnic groups or nationalities. Some devotions to our Blessed Mother are honored around the world. Some are locally celebrated and honor the mother of our Lord and Savior.
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, December 8. Since the 8
th
of December falls on a Sunday, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9. The feast will be celebrated at the 6:30am and the 8:00am Masses. With the transfer of the feast to Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted.
In July of 2016, while still unpacking boxes after moving to Lake Forest from Flossmoor, I made sure that I registered as a parishioner of St. Mary's. I wanted to make sure that I received envelopes so I could contribute to the offertory and collections at our parish. I contribute $35 - $40 each Sunday. I am happy to make the offering I can in support of the ministries at St. Mary's. It is important to me to make a sacrificial offering as a parishioner and as pastor. It is through the generosity and support of our parishioners that ministry is able to continue and to expand.
Over the past weekend I was opening the mail and found some parishioners sending in their yearly donation with a check. Others sent a notification of a donation of stock to St. Mary's for their offertory donation for 2019. Some give weekly. Some give annually. Some parishioners choose not to support the parish financially. Thanks to those who have and continue to support the work of the Church and the work of the parish. May each of us reflect on the blessings from God in our lives this Advent, and make a "joyful return to the Lord for His goodness to us."
Thanks to the women of the Guild of St. Mary for coordinating the Sharing Tree. The women of St. Maria Goretti Circle will appreciate the timely drop-off of the gifts next Sunday.
This Advent, let's make it a point to MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS in our hearts. To make room for Him, we have to get rid of all the stuff that's been taking His place. This requires a little bit of an inventory of our hearts and lives.
May we look at enemies and see the possibility of friendship . . .
May we look at fevered buying and see hope for simple generosity . . .
May we look at family tensions and see opportunities for reconciliation . . .
May we look at pessimism towards the future and see positive optimism . . .
May we look at stumbling blocks and see instead stepping stones . . .
May we look at alleys and valleys of darkness and see instead highways and byways of bright possibilities . . .
May we look at tragedy and misfortune and see the hope of change, growth, and a new beginning...
May we look at discouragement and see a determined and courageous approach to a hopeful future. . .
May each of us be thankful for what we have received and be joyful for what is ahead of us.
God bless you with illumined and prayerful hearts this Advent.
