We are at the second Sunday of Advent and the call to prepare for the coming of the Lord continues as we see it in our gospel this Sunday. When the word of God came to John the Baptist while he was in the desert, he acted on it. He went throughout the entire region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance to the people. He said “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”
This call also extends to us. Last Sunday I invited you to focus your preparation not only in the material aspect, but also in the spiritual because we are spiritual beings that needs our souls to be nourished and be aware of our calling to care for others as well. Let us admit that sometimes we do not live to the expectations of God because of our weaknesses and self-centeredness. There are times when God would give us opportunities to do something good for others but we would ignore them or let it pass by. If we will just take heed to what He is telling us, we can be an instrument of His hope, love, peace and joy which is the message of the entire Advent Season.
That is why during this season of Advent, we have the Advent Penance Services in our region, to give us an opportunity to recourse to the sacrament of reconciliation. As we realize our sins of omission and commission, we are able to ask God for His forgiveness and His grace to strengthen us in our weaknesses and help us become better in our way of living out His gospel so we can be a good example for others.
As scheduled, the Advent Penance Services for our region are the following:
December 11th at 7:00 P.M. – St. Lawrence Parish, Cadogan
December 15th at 12:00 Noon – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Kittanning
December 18th at 7:00 P.M. – St. Mary, Mother of God Parish, Yatesboro
December 20th at 7:00 P.M. – St. Mary, Mother of God Parish, Freeport
December 22nd at 12:00 Noon - Christ Prince of Peace Parish, Ford City
I hope you will find time to attend our Advent Penance Service as we continue to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
Please remember me, too, in your prayers as I celebrate my 12th priestly anniversary this coming December 12th, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.