A Word From The Pastor
Make Ready The Way Of The Lord: A blizzard hit the Kansas prairie. Two feet of snow drifted to five and six feet in places. The telephone rang in the doctor's home. The time had come for John Lang's wife to have her baby. But it was impossible for the doctor to get through those drifts. John Lang called his neighbors: Can you help the doc to get through? In no time, from all directions, came men and boys with plows and shovels. They labored with all their might almost for two hours until finally the old doc was able to make it, just in time to deliver the Lang boy. The Second Sunday of Advent through the scriptures comes a call to all of us from another Father, God the Father through His prophet Isaiah and repeated by Jesus' own cousin John the Baptist: "Make ready the way of the Lord." But we are called, not to remove piles of snow, but piles of sin, neglect, thoughtlessness, the things that make it difficult and often impossible for the divine child to be reborn to our hearts and lives. We have to straighten out whatever crooked paths we've been walking, like involvement in some secret or habitual sins or in a sinful relationship. If we have been involved in some dishonest practices at work or at home, we are called to straighten them out and make restitution. If we have been harboring grudges or hatred, or failing to be reconciled with others, now is the time to clear away all the debris. And we all have to level the "mountains" of our pride and egocentrism by practicing the true humility of rendering humble service to others.
Bell Choir Concert: Can you believe Christmas is just a few weeks away. For me the past one year has been the fastest, has gone like the blink of an eye. I love this season of Christmas as most everyone decorates their houses with Christmas trees and lights. Let us all remember the reason behind all these decorations, parties and fun events. It is JESUS CHRIST. During this season of preparing for the birth of Christ I want to invite everyone to join our Bell Choir this coming Sunday the 16th to sing and praise God. The Bell Choir along with our Parish Choir will be doing the Lessons and Carols at 6:00 pm.
When I Go To Church: I saw this article in a book about why and when I go to Church. Thought of sharing. When I go to Church, I go not because the priest is holy but because his function is holy. When I go to Church, I go not because the place is beautiful but because Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is beautiful. When I go to Church, I go not because I am sinless but because my sins will be forgiven. When I go to Church, I go not because the people need to love me but because I need to love them. When I go to Church, I go not because the music is lively but because God is alive! When I go to Church, I go not because I can give so much but because I need so much. When I go to Church, I go not because of myself but because of Him Who ardently awaits my coming. I go to Church because Church is Home.
Oh, Well, Soap Only Works When It Is Applied: A soap manufacturer and a pastor were walking together down a street in a large city. The soap manufacturer casually said, "The Gospel you preach hasn't done much good, has it? Just observe. There is still a lot of wickedness in the world, and a lot of wicked people, too!" The pastor made no reply until they passed a dirty little child making mud pies in the gutter. Seizing the opportunity, the pastor said, "I see that soap hasn't done much good in the world either; for there is much dirt still here, and many dirty people are still around." The soap man said, Oh, well, soap only works when it is applied." And the pastor said, "Exactly! So, it is with the Gospel."
God’s blessings,
Fr. Suneesh Mathew
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