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Showing posts from April, 2019

First Sunday of Advent (A)

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The Unknown Day and Hour   Lectionary: 1 Reading 1 -  Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 122: 1-9 Reading 2 -  Romans 13:11-14 Alleluia -  Cf. Psalm 85:8 Gospel -  Matthew 24:37-44 '... Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.' Introduction  As we gather on this First Sunday of Advent , we also mark the beginning of the Church’s new liturgical calendar and a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas. The word Advent comes from either of two Latin words, which simply mean “to come” (Ad-venire) or “to arrive” (Ad-ventus), and as early as the fourth (4th) century, Christians have had this special time of preparation towards Christmas. Of course, Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; Even as we begin the material preparations for the social celebration of Christmas, the liturgical celebrations of these weeks invite us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. But what does the co...
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Deacon Calling

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  As a Preacher's Kid (PK), it seems like much of my life has revolved around service. This was the primary focus that would eventually lead me to a Commission in the United States Coast Guard. When I separated from the military, my new career as a Technology Consultant didn't quite provide the same level of satisfaction, so I dove into the lay ministries of the Church to serve in several capacities, such as Lector, Communion Minster and Catechist (aka Religious Education Teacher).  After several years of this, while facilitating a small study group, one of the participants mentioned that she thought I would make a good deacon ... and when I casually mentioned this to my wife, she agreed. For those of you who might be curious as to the connection between service and the deacon ... the word deacon itself comes from the greek diákonos (διάκονος), which is generally translated as "servant", "waiter", "minister", or "messenger".  This makes...
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