Daily Archives: December 7, 2020

The Promise coming true

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This coming Sunday is the 3rd Sunday in Advent, known as Guadete Sunday – Rejoice Sunday. Divine joy is the very nature of God – creative; like an overflowing fountain – a fountain fullness. A joy that wants to be shared in wider and wider circles. A joy that asks us to join in the universal shout for joy. The words of the introit of the Mass are the hallmark of Guadette Sunday: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say again: rejoice.”  The refrain of the Psalm proclaim: “My soul rejoices in the Lord.” The second reading (1 Thes 5:16-24) begins, “Rejoice always.”

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Remembering December 7th

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From the blog, “FaithMatters: Reflections on Life and Faith“, by the now-retired pastor of Hyde Park Methodist Church, Rev. Jim Harnish

I remember a Movie. I was nine years old when “A Man Called Peter” was nominated for an Academy Award in 1956.  Based on the book by that title that sat on my parents’ bookshelf, it was the story of a young Presbyterian preacher named Peter Marshall who emigrated from Scotland and became the nationally known Chaplain of the United States Senate.  It was one of the early childhood experiences that planted the seeds of my calling to be a preacher. Continue reading →

The Gift of Forgiveness

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Sometimes our Advent readings don’t seem very…well, in the Christmas spirit. But simply put, Advent is not Christmas. It is time of preparation. Advent lies between the celebration of the Seconding Coming of Christ at the end of time and the commemoration of the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. Think about that for a moment! It is a “path” that will lead one to think about sin, confession, penance, and preparation for Jesus, the great King’s coming. Get ready! But that preparation, especially, the gift of forgiveness, is a great joy and is bundled up in the Christ child at Christmas. Continue reading →