Fourth Sunday of Advent

12-22-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

A very big thank you to our St. John Bosco School community for the beautiful Christmas Program and the Our Lady of Guadalupe play during the week. Thanks, also, to the teachers and staff who helped organize the different Christmas events with the school this year. Wishing our SJB community a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year. I would also like to thank everyone who participated in our Advent Penance Service last Tuesday. The turnout was wonderful and the visiting priests appreciate your warm welcome and prayers.

In the First Reading today, we hear how God sent the prophet Isaiah to ask King Ahaz to ask for a sign from God. Why did Ahaz refuse to ask for a sign? He said, “I will not put God to the test.” He prefers to do what God wants for him, rather than to challenge God. At this time as we prepare for Christmas, suppose we have Santa play the role of God and our children play the role of King Ahaz. What do you think we would hear as their responses? Most likely requests for material gifts, right? But what about us, the adults, if God were to ask us to make a request for something this Christmas, what would you ask for? It is amazing how materialism has taken over the meaning of Christmas these days.

On this last Sunday before Christmas, we are invited through our scripture readings to refl ect on God’s great gifts to us. In the second reading, St. Paul identifies some of these gifts: “Through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” (Rom 1:5-6). In the Gospel, we also hear of God’s greatest gift to us, the gift of his son, Jesus Christ when he took flesh in the womb of the Blessed Mother. While the material shopping and the excitement of the preparation for Christmas are all important, we are also encouraged today to keep in mind that Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas.

Please remember to check our bulletin and website for the Christmas Mass schedules. Also, remember to invite your friends and neighbors to come along with your family to join us at our Christmas Masses. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and God’s blessings.

Thank you and Remain Blessed.

Fr. James

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