Advent Reflections

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Jeremiah 23:5-8
Matthew 1:18-25

Reflection:

Father Nicholas Divine, CP, servers on the Ministry Team at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

A Christmas Prayer for You
-Rebecca Barlow
(Excerpt)

We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the brokenhearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year. Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.

Call to Action:

Sit in silence for 3 minutes.  Breathe in the silence.  Pray for peace.

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Matthew 1:1-17

Reflection:

Phil Jackson is a long-time member of the Passionist Family. He currently works in Donor Relations at the Province Offices and serves on the Passionist Alumni Council. Phil has a great devotion to The Passion of Jesus Christ.

A Christmas Prayer for You
-Rebecca Barlow
(Excerpt)

We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the brokenhearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year. Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.

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.

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Isaiah 54:1-10
Luke 7:24-30

Reflection:

Bob Rizzi is a longtime parishioner at St. Joseph Monastery Parish in Baltimore, Maryland, and a member of the Passionist Family.

A Christmas Prayer for You
-Rebecca Barlow
(Excerpt)

We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the brokenhearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year. Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.

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/

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Isaiah 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25
Luke 7:18b-23

Reflection:

Sandra Sierra serves on the Board of Directors, where she is the Treasurer, for Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

A Christmas Prayer for You
-Rebecca Barlow
(Excerpt)

We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the brokenhearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year. Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.

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

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Matthew 21:28-32

Reflection:

Lissa Romell is the Administrator at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois. She is the co-chair of the Holy Cross Province Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team.

A Christmas Prayer for You
-Rebecca Barlow
(Excerpt)

We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the brokenhearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year. Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.

Call to Action:

If you use social media:  post a hopeful Advent message on your pages.

Monday of the Third Week Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a
Matthew 21:23-27

Reflection:

Mike Owens is the Coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Council. Building off the values gained during his Passionist formation years, he is active in religious education, volunteering and board memberships.  Mike and his wilfe, Joyce, live in Louisville, Kentucky.

A Christmas Prayer for You
-Rebecca Barlow
(Excerpt)

We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the brokenhearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year. Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.

Call to Action:

Look at your household budget and find one line item that you could eliminate next year in order to save money.  Then ‘redistribute’ that saved money to a charity or person in need.

Third Sunday of Advent

The Light of Joy

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.

-Father Phil Paxton, CP

True Joy

The true joy experienced in the family is not something casual or accidental. It is a joy born of the profound harmony among persons, which gives us a taste of the beauty of being together, of supporting one another along the journey of life. But at the heart of that joy is always God’s presence, his welcoming, merciful, and patient love toward all. If the doors of the family are not opened to the presence of God and his love, the family loses its harmony, selfishness prevails, and joy is extinguished. Instead, the family that lives the joy of life, the joy of faith, spontaneously communicating it, is the salt of the earth and light of the world. It is the leaven for all of society.”
-Pope Francis,   — Angelus prayer, Dec. 27, 2015

Scripture:

Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

Reflection:

Cristian Martinez Montalvo, CP, shares his reflection for this First Sunday of Advent.
Cristian is a professed Passionist student studying at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago, Illinois. Originally from Puerto Rico, Cristian is a member of the Passionists of St. Paul of the Cross (Eastern) Province.

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

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

The Light of Peace

Prayer for Peace

Loving God,

During this season when many people, whether they are Christian or not,
act out of good will 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.”
We yearn for the fulfillment of Your prophet Isaiah’s words:
“For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for fire.”

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

Peace is a gift of God, but requires our efforts.
Let us be people of peace in prayer and deed.
-Pope Francis

Scripture:

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Reflection:

Father Nicholas Divine, CP, serves on the Ministry Team at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

The Peace of Wild Things
-Wendell Berry

When despair grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting for their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.