1st Week of Advent
November 29
First Sunday of Advent
First Sunday of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37
Reflection:
Father Alfredo Ocampo, CP, shares his reflection for this First Sunday of Advent.
English:
Español:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
If you use social media: post a hopeful Advent message on your pages.
30
Monday of the First Week of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Reflection:
Alexis Salazar, a Young Adult Core Team Member at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, shares her reflection for today.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
Make time to have a one-on-one conversation with someone you have wanted to “check in on.” Give them your full listening presence.
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Reflection:
Mark Brockman is a Passionist Formation Alumni. He assists with retreat programs in his home Diocese of Austin, Texas.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
Multiply your giving: for each person on your gift list, donate to a favorite cause of theirs, or give a gift in their name to someone in need.
Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 25:6-10a
Matthew 15:29-37
Reflection:
Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
International Abolition of Slavery Day: There are currently over 40,000 slaves in our world.
Click here to learn more about how various faith traditions fight against slavery.
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 26:1-6
Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Reflection:
Dr. Griena Knight-Davis, Ed.D., is the Principal of Holy Family Catholic Academy in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
Buy Ethical Trade Christmas gifts at Catholic Relief Service. Ethical Trade means people will get a fair price for their labor and materials and no forced labor. https://ethicaltrade.crs.org/
Friday of the First Week of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 29:17-24
Matthew 9:27-31
Reflection:
Father John Schork, CP, is the Vocations Director for Holy Cross Province. He is a member of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
Pick one or more of the peacemakers who attended the Nonviolence and Just Peace Conference at the Vatican and search online to learn more about their stories.
Saturday of the First Week of Advent
The Light of Gratitude
“Saint Paul invites us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by assuming three attitudes: constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving,” the Pope said. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
Reflection:
Father Febin Barose, CP, is the Parochial Vicar, serving at St. Agnes Parish
in Louisville, Kentucky.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,
and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude
in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another,
our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
please grant us continued graces
and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-Gretchen Filz
Call to Action:
Take 1 hour (or more) to be silent. No TV, no radio, no computer, no cell phone.
2nd Week of Advent
December 6
Second Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
Reflection:
Father Alfredo Ocampo, CP, shares his reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent.
English:
Spanish:
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
Monday of the Second Week of Advent
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Reflection:
Alexis Salazar is a Young Adult Core Team Member at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
8
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38
Reflection:
Mark Brockman is a Passionist Formation Alumni. He works in cybersecurity and assists with retreat programs in his home Diocese of Austin, Texas.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
9
Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 40:25-31
Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection:
Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
10
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 41:13-20
Matthew 11:11-15
Reflection:
Dr. Griena Knight-Davis, Ed.D., is the Principal of Holy Family Catholic Academy in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
11
Friday of the Second Week of Advent
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Matthew 11:16-19
Reflection:
Father John Schork, CP, is the Vocations Director for Holy Cross Province. He is a member of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
12
Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
The Light of Peace
“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab
Luke 1:26-38 or 1:39-47
Reflection:
Father Febin Barose, CP, is the Parochial Vicar, serving at St. Agnes Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
during this season when many people,
whether they are Christian or not,
act out of goodwill towards others,
our thoughts and prayers turn to peace.
We long for the day when
“swords” are turned “into plowshares,”
and “spears into pruning hooks.”
As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace,
fill our hearts with Your Peace,
and give us the strength to make peace
in Your beloved world.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-Father Phil Paxton, CP
3rd Week of Advent
December 13
Third Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Reflection:
Father Alfredo Ocampo, CP, shares his reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent.
English:
Spanish:
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
The third week of Advent is one of Joy. “Joy is the true gift of Christmas…We can communicate this joy simply: with a smile, a kind gesture, a little help, forgiveness.” –Pope Benedict XV
14
Monday of the Third Week Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a
Matthew 21:23-27
Reflection:
Alexis Salazar is a Young Adult Core Team Member at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
Make time to have a one-on-one conversation with someone you have wanted to “check in on.” Give them your full listening presence.
15
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Matthew 21:28-32
Reflection:
Mark Brockman is a Passionist Formation Alumni. He works in cybersecurity and assists with retreat programs in his home Diocese of Austin, Texas.
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
If you use social media: post a hopeful Advent message on your pages.
16
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Isaiah 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25
Luke 7:18b-23
Reflection:
Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
Tonight, make your meal deliberately simple. A vegetarian soup and bread, for example, or beans and rice. As you eat it, pray for those around the world who are hungry. After dinner, go online and donate to Bread for the World. http://Bread.org
17
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Matthew 1:1-17
Reflection:
Dr. Griena Knight-Davis, Ed.D., is the Principal of Holy Family Catholic Academy in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama.
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
Watch “The Story of Stuff” video with your family, friends, or community group. Brainstorm ways you can reduce the amount of “stuff” you purchase and use on a day-to-day basis. https://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-stuff/
18
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Matthew 1:18-25
Reflection:
Father John Schork, CP, is the Vocations Director for Holy Cross Province. He is a member of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
Multiply your giving: for each person on your gift list, donate to a favorite cause of theirs, or give a gift in their name to someone in need.
19
Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
The Light of Joy
“Joy cannot be held at heel: it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks, walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus: preaching, proclaiming Jesus, proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path.”
-Pope Francis
Scripture:
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Luke 1:5-25
Reflection:
Father Febin Barose, CP, is a Parochial Vicar, serving at St. Agnes Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.
Prayer of Joy
Loving God,
Christmas is almost here! Fill us with the joy of this season!
Fill us with the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt when they reunited after Mary was told that Elizabeth, long considered barren, was with child.
“Lord, Elizabeth declared to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.'”
Help us believe that Your promises to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.
May we rejoice in Him. Amen.
Call to Action:
Sit in silence for 3 minutes. Breathe in the silence. Pray for peace.
4th Week of Advent
December 20
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Light of Hope
“Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
Reflection:
Father Alfredo Ocampo, CP, is the Director of Passionist Students and preaches parish missions. He is a member of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.
English:
Spanish:
Prayer for Hope
Loving Father,
we continue this season of Advent
in great anticipation
of the Coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We have experienced the suffering of all
Your creation. We have seen the pain,
the violence, the sorrow and the grief
that is in our world.
Fill us with the hope that is in Your Son.
Grant us the strength to persevere
in following Him; in loving You
and loving our neighbor
and tending to our “common home.”
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
Call to Action:
If you use social media: post a hopeful Advent message on your pages.
21
Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
The Light of Hope
“Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Song of Songs 22:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Luke 1:39-45
Reflection:
Alexis Salazar is a Young Adult Core Team Member at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.
Prayer for Hope
Loving Father,
we continue this season of Advent
in great anticipation
of the Coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We have experienced the suffering of all
Your creation. We have seen the pain,
the violence, the sorrow and the grief
that is in our world.
Fill us with the hope that is in Your Son.
Grant us the strength to persevere
in following Him; in loving You
and loving our neighbor
and tending to our “common home.”
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
Call to Action:
Name a hope you have for yourself, your family, your community this Advent. What can you do to make it a reality?
22
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
The Light of Hope
“Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Reflection:
Mark Brockman is a Passionist Formation Alumni. He works in cybersecurity and assists with retreat programs in his home Diocese of Austin, Texas.
Prayer for Hope
Loving Father,
we continue this season of Advent
in great anticipation
of the Coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We have experienced the suffering of all
Your creation. We have seen the pain,
the violence, the sorrow and the grief
that is in our world.
Fill us with the hope that is in Your Son.
Grant us the strength to persevere
in following Him; in loving You
and loving our neighbor
and tending to our “common home.”
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
Call to Action:
Focus for a moment on an image of someone or a marginalized group who are the “face of Christ Crucified” in your life, community or in the world.
23
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
The Light of Hope
“Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Luke 1:57-66
Reflection:
Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.
Prayer for Hope
Loving Father,
we continue this season of Advent
in great anticipation
of the Coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We have experienced the suffering of all
Your creation. We have seen the pain,
the violence, the sorrow and the grief
that is in our world.
Fill us with the hope that is in Your Son.
Grant us the strength to persevere
in following Him; in loving You
and loving our neighbor
and tending to our “common home.”
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
Call to Action:
For your bookshelf: The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear” by Paul Rogat Loeb.
24
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent, Christmas Eve
The Light of Hope
“Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” -Pope Francis
Scripture:
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Luke 1:67-79
Reflection:
Dr. Griena Knight-Davis, Ed.D., is the Principal of Holy Family Catholic Academy in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama.
Prayer for Hope
Loving Father,
we continue this season of Advent
in great anticipation
of the Coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We have experienced the suffering of all
Your creation. We have seen the pain,
the violence, the sorrow and the grief
that is in our world.
Fill us with the hope that is in Your Son.
Grant us the strength to persevere
in following Him; in loving You
and loving our neighbor
and tending to our “common home.”
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
Call to Action:
Celebrate an old-fashioned and healthy tradition: tonight, fill children’s stockings with fruit and nuts, rather than toys and candy. If you do not have children, start a Christmas Eve tradition this year that is Jesus-centered and expresses solidarity with the poor.