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Intertwined priorities

November 28, 2023

What would our lives look like if we really took to heart the two intertwined commandments that Jesus succinctly places before us, to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves? (See Matthew 22:34-40) Would we reorder our time so that Sunday Mass, daily prayer and regular participation in the Sacrament of Penance are always on our calendar? Would we carve out time for serving others? Might we recognize our talents as gifts from God and discern the ways we might give the gifts back, with increase, at home, in our parish, in the workplace and in the world? Would we consider that the ways we spend time, money and attention are signs of our priorities?


It is likely that most of us considering the list above would say “yes” to each question. As we hear and reflect on the Gospels, let us take Jesus’ challenge to heart and act accordingly: love God, love neighbor.


This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

Advent trust

November 28, 2023
“Trusting in God’s Grace” by Cathy Donovan in Family Faith on the Go The hardest prayer I have ever uttered was, “God, you know best; your will be done.” I immediately felt a sense of fear at having given over my control of the situation and asking God to take over. And then I felt a sense of acceptance knowing that God’s response would be better than anything I could manage. We have been surrounded with challenges lately: a tough economy, natural disasters of biblical proportions, political unrest and violence in many countries. Watching the news can be downright depressing! Maybe you feel a bit like Job right now, facing personal life challenges that rattle your soul and shake your faith. During Advent we are in the a liturgical season of hope. It is hope in our God, who loves us so much he sent his Son to join us in our humanity, in our challenges and triumphs, in our joys and in our sorrow. This is the season of “Emmanuel” — God with us. God does not promise to fish us out of our struggles. Rather, God promises to be with us in them. God stands ready, with arms open wide, to embrace us when we need it most. We need only trust and fall into God’s embrace. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese. 

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023
Jesus parallels the fall of the temple with the end of the world. The disciple’s questions rise out of fear and the fear makes them vulnerable to dishonest messengers. He tells them that though the destruction is inevitable, they must not waste time trying to determine when it will happen. I cannot help but think about people who are diagnosed with a debilitating and/or terminal illness. They know the “what” but not exactly when and yet they live every moment to the fullest. I believe this is what you ask of us, in a time when the world is spinning out of control. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

God is Father

November 28, 2023
“God is Father and cannot but love us. Nor is he capable of being far from his children. If we are far from him, we are awaited; when we draw near, we are embraced; if we fall, he lifts us up; if we are repentant, he forgives us. He always wants to come to meet us.” — Pope Francis Reflection: Do you believe God loves you and is always waiting to embrace you? What gets in your way of drawing close to the Father, of allowing him to lift you up when you fall? This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.
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