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 

The Visit of the Wise Men

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Mic. 5.2

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way..

 

--Matthew 2:1-12

THE 'ROBE' YOU WEAR SHOULD BE THE HAPPIEST YOU AS WELL AS THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

Seek the "robe of Heaven." What's the robe of heaven? That means: the deepest, cleanest, purest you. It's where there is the imprint of destiny.

It's the one God created you to be, the "best version of yourself." Are you the best version of your self? Have you kept true to yourself? It's the you He will recognize.

We have been discussing this. Let's continue that discussion. Do you know the deepest part of yourself or have you allowed life to rip it or sully it or silt it over? 

We really do "wear" in eternity what is deep within us! When your real self is obscured, it could mean purgatory (the laundromat for that "robe"). Listen to what a woman named Angie Fenimore who died and saw deepest purgatory alleged: "Drifting onto the plane, the newly deceased were dressed in white robes, but their robes were dingy," she wrote (in Beyond the Darkness). "Like silent sleepwalkers, these spellbound souls descended into the darkness, arms to their sides, their expressionless eyes locked in empty gazes. Everyone I saw was wearing dirty white robes. Some people's were heavily soiled, while others' just appeared dingy with a few stains."

Or listen to this from a revelation called The Secrets of Purgatory (more about this revelation in coming days):

"The souls in purgatory are enveloped, as it were, in a thick shroud into which they have wound themselves while living on this earth," says the incredible little booklet. "It is the garment of their own egoism. Their main care in this life was themselves, just as the world's highest ideal is self-glorification and honor. It is this which fashions that coarse garment through which the Light of God can hardly penetrate."

Who wants to enter eternity dressed like that?

In eternity, there are no secrets. We fool no one. We wear who we (really) are. We want that to be pristine. As Our Blessed Mother said at Kibeho in Rwanda, "A good heart surpasses all, there are no riches that are beyond a clean heart." At apparitions, her attire is depicted as indescribable whiteness. Clean means nothing whatsoever dark! In eternity, we are "inside out."

There was the you as a youngster: encountering your first temptations. How did you do? Are there still things you must purge? Do memories haunt or entice? Are there stains you should bleach away? Are there hurts you need to purge -- open wounds that festered? There was the you as a teenager -- more temptations, many more, still. And in that critical period of your twenties. What taints did you pick up then? Is there soot and grease? There is the "you" who became a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, the you who chose a certain career. 

How many masks have you worn? What were your intentions? Did anything "crust" around you? Is there hardness (a shell)? Do you still harbor -- wear-- any bitterness (unforgiveness)? 

When we are in a shell blessings bounce off of us. So does love. The real you is the you at your most comfortable, your most natural, your purest, your happiest; the real you gives and thrives on love. This is the choice you have. We have stated this previously. It bears repeating. It is the "best version of yourself"! Have you let other people "put things" on you? (If so, shake them off!)

The best you is not the complainer. It's not the one who sees the worst in others. It's not the lackadaisical you. It's not the one who lives by lust. Stains indeed! It's not the undisciplined stage. It's not a gossip. Let's focus on that for a moment.

"In over two decades of ministry, I’ve encountered scores of Christians who don’t seem to think gossip is wrong -- who are obsessed as busybodies, gossips, and bad-mouthers, and have caused irreparable damage to the Body of Christ," wrote one evangelist. 

"I could fill books with the stories of anguish and grief inflicted to hapless victims. 'The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts' (Proverbs 26:22). Mean, vicious accusations and rumors have ripped out the heart and soul of many fellow Christians and leaders, draining them of their love, enthusiasm, and their desire to live for God. It has split churches, created strife, and promoted division and turmoil. 'Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down' (Proverbs 26:22).

"Gossip exists whenever persons 'talk about others' in less than a favorable way. The root of gossip is negativity, judgmentalism, slander, etcetera. Avoid associating with people who gossip. 'A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much' (Proverbs 20:19). You probably remember the old saying: 'If you can’t say something good about others, don’t say anything at all.' Wise advice if you wish to avoid sin. Gossip often masquerades as 'concern' for others."

We also mentioned lack of discipline.

This too can cause our robe to be dingy, dark.

It is a lack of discipline that allows us to say or do what we should not, or fail to do what we should -- such as keep our surroundings tidy.

Too often inner turmoil is reflected by the hidden corners in our homes, where dirt collects. What is within us is without us. The dust builds and builds and builds until it obscures who we really are if we don't constantly wipe it away. 

 

The more we pray, the more discipline we have -- and this is the key to upkeep, to the best version of you.

When there is a lack of prayer, dust gathers quickly.

Prayer is discipline and translates into the discipline we have over the flesh and even over our personal upkeep.

Spirits seem to gather around dirt and confusion and manifest in what is scattered -- or piled -- around us. Our surroundings reflect our passions and shortcomings and our obsessions. Those who have become obsessed with objects become -- at an extreme -- the hoarders we see on television.

Meanwhile a person obsessed with drugs or alcohol can become the homeless street person who has no energy or discipline for upkeep. (Is this why it says that "cleanliness is next to Godliness"?)

On the upside: our surroundings can reflect goodness and togetherness and joy. That's your best version of you for sure! It's wearing your blessings well.

Love transcends all sorrow.

The best version of us sees the best in others.

Gauge the real you by that standard.

The truth of love is happiness.

Your uniqueness is deep down where He has placed that imprint of destiny.

Be in touch with the imprint. When we obscure our real selves, the Lord may say He doesn't know us (Luke 13).

Start by doing. When we are doing nothing we are going nowhere. Inertia takes over. Do. Start a motion. Move. Build momentum. Make that first start. It's never too late. You are never too sullied -- not while you are still alive and able to read this!

Lust? That's a stain. Half-truths? Blotches on your robe. Constant complaining? Negativity? Discontent? A dark hue. Hatred? Blackness.

Be careful what you let into your eyes and ears. It will express itself outwardly. As another preacher says, "Have you ever heard the saying, 'You are what you eat?' The same principle is true in our spiritual lives. Our ears and eyes are the gates to our soul. What we watch, what we listen to, and who we associate with are constantly feeding and influencing our inner man, which in turn, influences our actions and destiny.

"David said in Psalm 101:3, 'I will set before me no vile thing.' Today more than ever, we have opportunities to feed our minds with the wrong thing. Everywhere we turn, there is information trying to influence us. But Ephesians 4:27 says, 'Do not give the enemy a foothold.' A door of opportunity is opened when we allow negative influences in our lives. What seems as harmless entertainment, a compromising TV show, or a negative song choice eventually influences your thought life. Thoughts lead to actions and actions determine your destiny. Spend time building yourself up, not wasting your time with activities that can tear you down. You are a temple of the Most High God -- called, appointed and anointed to do great things. Do your best to keep your temple pure and be selective with what you feed your spirit. As you do your part, God will take you places that you have never imagined. You will reach your full potential and become everything God has created you to be."

Psalm 119:37 says, "Keep me from paying attention to worthless things."

Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse. Become unworldly. Our example is Immaculate Mary. Cleanse this Christmas season.

Purity (sought with prayer from the heart) is the best you and will lead to a brilliant white robe that will radiate the love of God like a texture of spun glass and spun cotton forever.

Kamal Saleem: A Muslim Cries Out to Jesus

By Aaron Little
The 700 Club

CBN.com – “Forty-eight percent of Muslims in the United States of America believe that they are Muslim first, American second. Our purpose is to change this country, because they are infidel and what they are doing is not pleasing to Allah. We are the soldier of Allah who will make them do it.”

Kamal Saleem was born in Lebanon to a devout Muslim family. As early as four years old, he remembers sitting at the kitchen table while his mother taught him about the Koran and his duty to Allah and Jihad.

“From my childhood, my mom said, ‘One day, you’ll be a martyr, my son. You will die for the sake of Allah and you will exalt Islam. If you kill a Jew, my son, your hand will light up before the throne of Allah and the host of heaven will celebrate what you have done.’”

Kamal was seven when his parents sent him to Muslim training camps to learn to use weapons and engage and kill the enemy.  The boys were also taught another, more subtle form of warfare…

“We were training for what’s called, ‘Culture Jihad,’ which is shifting cultures. Culture Jihad is unlike the sword, unlike the rifle. It is the Jihad that will come into your world.”

By his 20s, Kamal was chosen to wage Cultural Jihad on America.

“In Islam, liberty, freedom, monarchy, all these are idols and must be brought down. So the liberty that you have in United States of America is anti-Islam, so America must be changed. So I moved to the 'Bible Belt' specifically. The Bible Belt was the strongest of the strongest. That’s where the stout Christians are, and I want to take on the best of the best, because I considered myself as the sword of Islam. I thought, 'I’m anointed. I’m unique. I’m selected. I’m coming to a country and a culture to change it. I have the power of Allah with me.'"

In the early 1980s, Kamal entrenched himself in a small Midwestern town. He began targeting men from poorer neighborhoods to recruit them to the Muslim faith. But one afternoon his life would be in the hands of those he hated the most.

“I was going from one place to another to do recruitment and that day I had a car wreck. The car wreck was so severe, I ejected out of my car, landed on my neck and broke my neck in two places. This man came running to me and said, ‘Don’t worry. We’re going to take care of you, and everything’s going to be alright.’ The ambulance came and picked me up and now I go to the hospital. The orthopedic surgeon in the ER looked at my chart and said, ‘Son, we’re going to take care of you, and everything’s going to be alright.' The second day I wake up in the hospital, and the head of physical therapy came in, read my chart and said the same thing word for word, ‘We are going to take care of you.'”

At first, Kamal was frightened by their words, because these men were all Christians.

“You see, in terrorism, if they say [that], you better run.”

Surgeries to repair Kamal’s broken neck were successful, but recovery would take weeks. After being discharged from the hospital, he would need someone to care for him while he recuperated. Kamal had no one, so the orthopedic surgeon opened up his own home to this stranger. 

“In his home, they put me in the choicest room with the most beautiful things. I became like part of their family. They didn’t see me any different. They have a basket that says, ‘For Kamal.’ They put in money to free my bills from the hospital.” 

Kamal was overwhelmed with the outpouring of Christian love. As he recovered, he began to help out around the house with cooking and cleaning.

“They have Jewish friend that came from Israel who they support, and now I’m hugging Israelis and I’m cooking for Jews. I’m going, ‘What has happened to me?’"

When Kamal was able take care of himself and return to his apartment, the doctor had another surprise for him.

“He says, ‘These are the keys to the house, and this is an extra key to your new car. We just want to bless you. You can come any time you want.’ So I go to my home. I go to my cold place that I haven’t been there in months. Dust is this thick. I just gotta settle this issue with my God to know if it’s real or not. So I walk inside, I shut door. I go right to the eastern window, fall on my knees, put my hands to the heavens and I cry out, ‘Allah, Allah my lord and my king. Why have you done such a thing to me? I’m okay with the car wreck. I’m ok with all this, but why did you put me among Christians? I’m confused. These Christians and Jews, they are good people. There’s nothing wrong with them. They don’t want to kill us. They’re not the same thing that I learned about. Allah. These people have relationship with their God. These people cry out to their God, and He answers them. I want to hear your voice. I want to hear you love me. If you’re real, speak to me. I want to hear your voice.' Guess what Allah said that day? Absolutely nothing."

Kamal felt that because he questioned his faith, the honorable thing to do was to end his own life.

“So I went to reach out my gun, put it in the right place and clock out. I heard a voice. The voice knew me by name. It said, ‘Kamal! Kamal! Kamal! Why don’t you call on the Father of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob?’ Now I fell on my knees and put my hands to the heavens immediately as I heard the voice. I cried out with every fiber within me, ‘God, the Father Abraham, if You are real, would You speak to me? I want to know You.’ Well, God of Father Abraham came to the room. He filled the room with His glory. His name was Yahweh, the Lord is one. He has holes in His hands. He has holes in His feet. His name is Jesus. I said to Him, ‘Who are you, my Lord? Who are you?’ He said, ‘I am that I am.’ I said, ‘I’m a simple man with a simple mind. What is that supposed to mean?’ He said, ‘I am the Alpha. I am the Omega. I am the beginning. I am the end. I am everything that is in between. I have known you before I formed the foundation of the earth. I have loved you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Rise up! Rise up Kamal. Come. You are my warrior. You are not their warrior.’  I said to Him, ‘My Lord, I will live and die for you.’ He said, ‘Do not die for me. I died for you so that you may live.’”

That day, instead of taking his life, Kamal gave it to Jesus. He now has a new mission and travels the country challenging Muslims to question their allegiance to Allah.

“My heart’s desire is to reach out to my brothers and sisters, the 1.5 billion Muslims that are living out there. They have not tasted the freedom in God.”

It’s been over 20 years since Kamal left the Islamic faith, and even threats of violence and death cannot stop him from sharing his story.

“He is real. If you’ve never experienced God before in your life, if you never tasted God, if you think you’ve got nothing to lose… when you’re sitting in your home, whether you’re a Muslim or a non-Muslim or a non-Christian or whatever you are, call on the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and say, ‘If You are real, speak to me. I want to hear Your voice.'”

Can God change your life? God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Discover how you can find peace with God.