Advent-ure

12/11/22

The Heroic Men Summit: Identity of the Catholic Man offered three OUTSTANDING speakers to help us deepen our relationship with Christ:

• Dominic de Sousa

• John Edwards

• Father John Riccardo.

You can watch the entire Summit by clicking the link above. In the meantime, here are a few ideas presented by John Edwards from Just a Guy in the Pew.

If this year has been just mediocre for you, or if you feel lost and wonder, "What is the purpose of my life?" consider this. The world constantly tells us that we need things or accomplishments to be happy. "When I graduate...when I get married...when I get that promotion...when I buy a car...or a house...when I take that big vacation....I will finally be happy. But, you've probably been around long enough to realize that you can accomplish all these THINGS and still feel hollow inside. Why?

John says it is because you do not know WHO YOU ARE!

You are not your job, your title, or your possessions. If you think you are those things, you are doomed to feel lost. Once you see that you are A BELOVED SON OF JESUS CHRIST you realize WHOSE YOU ARE. Surrender to Christ and ask him to come into your life. Knowing who you are, and whose you are, gives you the clarity that you are infinitely loved and meant to participate in God's life.

God loved us into existence. He placed us in paradise and gave us his friendship. When we blew it, he sent his only Son to expiate our sins. God loves us unconditionally and never gives up on us. Our job is to accept these lavish and unearned gifts--and then surrender to Him.

12/4/22

A couple of Lenten Seasons ago, Sunil Assao suggested a group of us get together each morning to briefly share the reflections in the "Little Black Book" provided by the parish. That simple idea led to us also reflecting during Advent using the "Little Blue Book." Now, throughout the year, four to six of us meet at 6:00 a.m. on Zoom to share the daily Mass readings.

The point of this is to say, what started out as, "Doing something extra," has turned into an activity we now look forward to each morning. The fellowship is heartening and reading the Word on a consistent basis has been edifying. What can you do this Advent to bring yourself and your family closer to Christ?

(By the way, if you want to join us at 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, just show up! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89693168350?pwd=TjBSelFEcXhZT3hFU3pkNnVxRFFtQT09)

11/27/22

Advent is a time of waiting; waiting for the advenio, or coming, of the incarnated Christ in our world. It is also a time of preparation; preparing ourselves for his arrival so that our souls may be ready to receive him.

But what if we were to take a more active stance and go on a sanctae expeditionis, holy expedition, or adventure? I like the posture of this approach. Waiting implies patience. Preparing can feel like doing something expected or following prescribed steps. But going on an advent-ure is exciting. It's something we're interested in, look forward to, and desire. How much more effort and emotional commitment do we put toward something we desire versus something expected or demanded of us?

Let's work together, as Men of Faith, in groups of two or more to make Advent an advent-ure this year. Let's not only meet Christ in Bethlehem--let's run to meet him!