From Father Scott – It Just Got Real!
Well, IT JUST GOT REAL!
With the new liturgical year, we are celebrating Advent—a time to examine the most real thing in our lives: our faith. Yes, it certainly just got real. The time is here when God will fulfill His promise, and we need to be ready.
The purple candles remind us that we are part of a fallen world that longs for redemption. The rose candle tells us that we have hope because we know our redemption is in Christ. This is a time to joyfully look at how we live our lives. There is always room for spiritual growth, and we need to take some time to reflect on how God is calling us to a refreshed and renewed relationship.
As we light the first candle this week, the light shines through the window of our hearts, inviting the Holy Family to find a place to lay the infant child. In this light, we are able to examine our time spent with our Lord and see where there is potential, through grace, for new, vibrant growth. Our faith tells us that Christ wants to draw near, but He awaits our invitation. With this invitation through prayer, grace will lead us to that which keeps the light burning brightly.
By striving to live out the virtues, the corporal and spiritual works, our devotions, and the Sacraments with intention and purpose, we draw closer to the manger where we hope to glimpse the Christ child that has been promised. When our eyes see what our hearts desire, well, IT JUST GOT REAL!
As I write this, I just left the Monday night Rosary for peace, which tonight was also prayed for Fr. Arisman. It was an amazing evening for the parish to come together to pray for our pastor. We are certainly united by the Holy Spirit with Fr. Arisman as he bears this cross and journeys through his recovery.
I am thankful for the volunteers who pray for each priest daily. Everyone has been so kind, expressing their support for Fr. Ken and me as we navigate through this time. We are thankful to Fr. Arisman for inviting us to serve as parochial vicars and to now trust us to continue while he is away. I think God has put us all in good hands, and we will persevere in faith.
At times like this, we can work together and take pride in the great parish that is St. Francis Solanus. We are working with a great team at the parish and the school, and when it gets real, they step up to do all they can to help keep things working and to make things better.
The first week of Advent is a good time for us to take stock of the blessings we receive in our life and what our response has been. If you are like me, it could always be better. I can always improve my attitude; my reverence could be sharper. Gossip—well, that goes without saying. Start simple, and God will do the rest.
Light the candle and let the light of your heart shine. Examine your life, make a good confession, and have a great Advent! Hopefully, it won’t be long before you say, IT JUST GOT REAL!
In Christ our Redeemer,
Fr. Bruce Scott