Advent 2011

 

 Advent is a word that means "coming." This season is a time of preparation for the second coming of Jesus as well as Jesus' first coming at Christmas. As we hear God's Word and pray, we also open ourselves to Jesus' coming right now. 

 

We are used to preparing for a future job by going to college. We prepare for tests by studying. We prepare for our future by saving money. Similarly, we must also prepare to stand before Jesus on judgment day. God has taught me that all of life now is a preparation for our meeting God. We hear Jesus tell us, "Watch." "Be alert." "Be ready."

There are three main areas where we must prepare. First, we must grow in our relationship with God. As we deepen our relationship with God now, we will be ready to receive the beatific vision then. Second, we must progress in character. Our life now is about growing in virtue. All our secrets will lay bare in the light of God's face. Lastly, we must realize our potential. God has gifted each of us and we must discover and use our talents. Everyone will have to account for what they did with their lives.

Who we are is God's gift to us, who we become is our gift to God.

God isn't interested in perfection, but very interested in our progression.

Advent, then, is a season of hope, expectation, promises fulfilled, patience, waiting and prayer. It is a time to sense God's presence and comfort. It is through God's love that we will be motivated to grow and go forward. This season is a time to look at ourselves and push ourselves to become. We must be ready for our death. If we choose to progress in each area of life, we will be ready to receive Jesus when he comes in Glory. When we die he will receive us. We will also receive him in a fresh new way at Christmas. O Come O Come Emmanuel! Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus!

Prayer of Self-Surrender

Jesus,
You are coming in Glory as King.
I want to be ready.
I surrender my life to you.
Transform me into your image.
I love you Lord.
AMEN!

Surrendering to God is not a one-time prayer. Surrender is a lifestyle that is expressed by prayer and right choices and solid behaviors. It is a lifestyle of seeking God through prayer and action. During Advent, seek Jesus in his Word. Read the daily Mass readings before you participate in the liturgy. Interested in a great Mass/Bible devotional? www.wau.org Spend time in quiet, silent prayer. Reflect on where the Church is inviting you to grow. Journey with Jesus as he teaches us and guides us to new life. The Lord Bless you and Keep you as you seek new life in Christ. Love, Fr. Cedric

Many people open themselves to reconciliation during, this preparation for Christmas. I pray that you will examine your heart, confess your sins and receive the grace of God. 

Here is the examination of conscience sheet I promised you on TV:

RECONCILIATION

A person's conscience is our most secret core and our sanctuary. There we are alone with God whose voice echoes in our depths. (Catechism #1776)

The Spiritual and moral life is about going forward, moving and growing. As you examine your heart, your conscience, are there any areas where you feel stuck or are even going backwards? You must confront and confess these issues in order to move. In addition, you must be honest enough to try to get to the roots. As you open your issues and sins to the Lord, you can trust God for mercy, gentleness and healing.

Some issues to think about:

1)     Anger: Are you angry with others, circumstances, self or God? Is there bitterness, resentment and non-forgiveness in your heart? Do you manage your anger by "exploding" or "imploding"?  Possible roots of anger are: Perfectionism, Grasping for control, unrealistic expectations, family of origin.

2)     Relationships: Is there someone you need to forgive? Can you ask for the courage to pray for them now? Is there someone you need to confront about their behavior? Ask for the courage to do so and to do it in a non-threatening way. Are you striving to love the irritating and "unlovely" people in your life? Or do you just avoid them?

3)     Codependency: Do you allow the behaviors and emotions of others to control and manipulate you? Are you a people pleaser and live in fear of what others think all the time? Do you stand up for yourself? Are you true to yourself? Roots: insecurity, fear of rejection.

4)     Idols: What "catches" your eye in life? Is it out of balance shopping, T.V., excessive Internet, gambling, food, drinking, sex, travel, sports, or work? Are you impulsive, compulsive, obsessive and out of control in any of these areas? What would being in balance mean in these areas? Roots: Low self-image/body image, boredom, lack of control, frustration with life, loneliness, self-sabotage. The need to escape from external and/or internal pain.

5)     Gossip: Do you build relationships with others based on ungodly talk and slander? Control? Manipulation? Possible roots are the need for acceptance and approval from others. Belittling others to make yourself feel more important. Insecurity.

6)     Lust: Do you watch programs on T.V., explore the Internet or read books that are inappropriate? Does this lead unwanted behaviors? Possible roots: Longing for God shifted to lust. Lack of contentment stemming from the need for excitement. Lack of self-control and immaturity. Simple rebelliousness and flippant disregard.

7)     Laziness: Are you lazy in areas of personal health, relationships, work, and seeking God? Roots: Lack of self-control and discipline, immaturity, low self-esteem, selfishness, lack of integrity.

8)     Pride: Are you stubborn, controlling, insensitive, cynical, contentious, opinionated and slow to say you were wrong? Do you judge others harshly simply by appearance? Pride denies and hides issues. It has a need to always be right. Humility admits, confronts and confesses. Roots: "I" Selfishness, negative self-image, fear and insecurity.

9)     Anything else? Is there any other area that you need to confront and look at in order to experience healing, forgiveness and go forward? Look at your relationship with God, others and self. Try to think not just about your issues, but possible roots. God Bless you
as you confront, face your pain, confess and move forward!!

                                                ACT OF CONTRITION

Jesus, I have sinned.

I am sorry.

Have mercy in your kindness.

I want to make a move and change.

I believe in your healing love.

I make the decision to follow you. Amen!

In addition to an act of contrition (sorrow for our sins and for hurting God) we also receive a "penance" when we celebrate reconciliation. A penance is not a "punishment" for our sins. Rather, it is a means to help you to turn from sin and begin afresh with God. Reading the Bible has traditionally been given as a penance to help people to turn to Jesus and experience healing. Please pray as you read slowly this passage from Psalm 51 from the Bible as your penance:

~Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.

~Behold, you desire truth in the inward being;

therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean;

wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

~Fill me with joy and gladness;

let the bones which you have broken rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquities.

~Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and put a new and right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

~O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For you have no delight in sacrifice;
were I to give you a burnt offering,
you would not be pleased.

~The sacrifice acceptable to God

is a broken spirit;

a broken contrite heart, O God,

you will not despise.  Amen.

***Based on Fr. Cedric's books You Can Change and A Retreat with Fr. Cedric  BOOKS