Advent Online
Starting December 1, 2024
We hope these daily reflections and prayers throughout Advent and for Christmas Day will bring you great calmness and peace as we prepare for the celebration of God’s Word made flesh continuously in our midst. As we walk these days together, may the spirit of St. Francis bring us and our world to a greater peace and our lives closer to God.
25
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
It’s Christmas! And it’s all about the presence and the presents and—the only word I can think of that comes close to summing up what we celebrate is a made-up word—the allness of our God, the Word Made Flesh. Though not walking among us, surely our God remains all in with us in good and bad times and the long stretches in-between. In the Gospel of the first Mass of the day, we hear the familiar story of angels breaking the good news to shepherds. As they make their way down the hill to Bethlehem, we can hear their heavy steps, shuffling along, work–weary but determined. A few voices, grumbly and raspy from the night air, ask their companions what they saw or thought they saw. They wonder what they will find at the end of their journey. Seeing the child, lying in the manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, as the angel had predicted, the shepherds are amazed. On their way back to the fields they tell everyone and scripturesays all who heard were amazed. Who would have been out and about that night? Travelers reporting for the census who could not even find shelter among some stranger’s animals? An innkeeper who managed to secure enough oil to keep the lanterns burning and sell strangers a few drinks, even if the beds were all taken? .Thousands of years later we find ourselves all caught up in amazement at God’s gift of God’s self to us, which brings us back to the idea of presents. When my mother was annoyed with someone, she would often say, “They act like they’re God’s gift to the world.” Had God been invited to answer, God would have told mom, “You’ve got that right. Like yourself, like all of the people I loved into being, you and they are meant to be my gift to the world; witnesses to the truth that is my love, friends to Jesus and, like Jesus, servants to one another. To be God’s presence we must be like Christmas presents, ready and willing to be unwrapped, opened and put to use for God’s good purposes. Let your prayer be a celebration of God’s closeness and an expression of your willingness to be open to God’s will. Celebrate all that the day brings and if the day brings some sadness because you are missing people, places and experiences you can only hold in memory, know that we are praying for you and with you. Thank you for sharing these Advent reflections and prayers with me and with the Franciscan Friars and their companions in ministry. Until the Feast of the Epiphany, I will continue to hold in prayer all who have joined our online community. Many blessings on you and those you care for.
24
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s Gospel Zechariah has a lot to say. Anticipating that God’s promise will be fulfilled as the angel Gabriel promised, Zechariah addresses his newborn son as one who will prepare the people to receive God’s promised one. The reading concludes with Zechariah looking ahead to the time when, “In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Lk. 1:78-79). RadiantDawn, the last of the O Antiphon titles, calls us to bask in God’s light. Have a heart to heart conversation with God today. Share how you have seen and known God in scripture, in sacrament, in private and shared prayer, in your daily life. Then ask God, God who has been loving you your whole life, how God sees you. What name does God use to address you? What name do you use to address God? If you were going to make a sketch to represent your relationship with God what would it look like? Would you be engaging In a ballet or waltz? Walking around the house, figuring out what you would eat for supper or, perhaps, taking a turn around the block, looking at the Christmas lights? Perhaps, you would be sitting beside God on a sofa, sipping hot chocolate and staring at the fireplace. Maybe you would be sitting quietly in a church or chapel, enjoying each other’s company. Throughout his ministry, Jesus asked those in need of healing what they desired; He continues to ask us the same question. As a last minute Christmas gift request, we might ask for the grace to deepen our relationship with Godand with our family and friends.
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s antiphon names Jesus King of Nations, but our God comes in a manner that we would not associate with any royals, however good natured and caring they might be. Our God arrives as an infant, born not in the family home but in a borrowed manger in the ancestral land of David, where Mary and Joseph had traveled to be counted in the Roman census. By all appearances, the family was of no account. Grown into his public ministry, Jesus would call himself preacher, teacher, friend, healer and servant. This king is a ruler who gives without measure and who invites us into the same process, sharing what we have received with those Christ has made our brothers and sisters and enjoying intimacy with God whom Jesus taught us to call our father. In today’s gospel, Zechariah, following the angel’s direction, affirms Elizabeth’s statement that their child is to be named John, meaning God is gracious. As the angel promised, Zechariah’s speech is restored. The Gospel tells us that, sensing the hand of God, the neighbors were afraid and wondered what sort of child John would be. Wonder-filled by the actionof our God, we cannot let our lack of imagination and our fears limit God’s action within and among us. Offer prayers of praise to God who loves us and can accomplish more in us than we can ever dream. You might listen to and perhaps sing some favorite hymnsor carols, say a favorite prayer or make up a prayer or poem or perhaps sketch a design or image as you give thanks for God’s graciousness.
22
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Signs of Christmas are everywhere. The urgent anticipation captures all our senses: bell ringers on street corners, television specials, museums’ highly stylized nativity setsand young pageant performers trying not to unbalance their angel wings as they follow the scent of cookies and hot chocolate. With a similar urgency but different tone, the prophet Micah addresses what will become the place of Jesus’ birth: “You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times” (Mi. 5:1). Once united, the kingdoms of Judah and Israel will both witness the saving grace of the promised one who “shall be peace” (Mi. 5:4). We hear in the gospel account Elizabeth’s delight when, inspired by the Holy Spirit, she greets Mary and her unborn child as blessed and expresses her wonder: “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk. 1:42-43) For today’s reflection, we might alter Elizabeth’s question and consider how Christ comes to us in our daily lives. So often, Christ comes in quiet, almost unnoticeable ways. Pray for those who in word or action have shown you God’s mercy and love. In the name of Jesus who is peace, pray forpeople you know, for strangers and for all nations that are not at peace.
21
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
As Mary and Elizabeth embrace, the day is pregnant with possibilities. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb. This long ago quickening urges us to pay attention because Emmanuel, our God, is still with us and continues to renew us and our world. Elizabeth acknowledges God’s work in and through Mary, saying to her, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk. 1:45). Spend some time today reflecting on your beliefs. Every week we affirm our shared beliefs when we pray the Creed, the basis of our faith. Let today’s faith statement focus not on those beliefs we hold in common; focus, instead, on your personal relationship with God. What titles do you use to address God? What qualities of God come to mind as you pray? Given the season, you might consider your current experience of Advent and Christmas in comparison to previous years. How does God view you and the relationship you share? How has that relationship changed over the years? Consider writing down what comes to mind and storing it—perhaps clipping it to the December page of your 2025 calendar. Just as photos and treasured gifts from friends remind us of how our relationships developed over the years, this informal statement of beliefs and experiences can remind us of God’s longstanding fidelity to us and our growth in the friendship that God started with us before we were born.
20
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s theme is openness. We hail Christ as Key of David. In the first reading the Lord directs King Ahaz of Judah to ask God for a sign. Aware of his many failures, Ahazremains silent, but the Lord announces to him the sign: “…the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel” (Is. 10:14). Once again, the gospel tells the story of the Annunciation and Mary’s yes to God’s will. To be like Mary, to be attentive to God’s work and word, requires a certain stillness, something that can be hard to practice on our busiest days. One of my chores when I was a novice in rural western Pennsylvania was to walk to the post office for each day’s mail. Except for the beginning and end of the workday, the traffic generally consisted of the occasional goose or squirrel, so I felt safe ignoring stops signs and traffic lights, but another pedestrian mail fetcher, the priest who was novice director of the local Franciscan men’s community stopped for all lights and signs. It seemed to me that the friar, who, in addition to directing novices, taught at both the local seminary and the college, was either wasting time or being overly cautious. Eventually, I asked the question and received an answer that still shapes my daily practice. After he stopped laughing and, no doubt, thanking God that I was not one of his novices, the friar assured me that he was not stopping for a squirrel, but he was taking time to notice what God had been up to while he was working with the novices or teaching. Street signs, shopping lines, waiting for the wash cycle to end have become graced God-watching moments for me. These brief interludes are not a substitute for more focused regular prayer, but they help me remember the kind word someone said to me, the person who asked for prayer, the enormous gifts of people and creatures that show God’s constant care. As Christmas approaches, schedules often get very busy so this might be an ideal time to start apractice of tucking some God watching time into each day.
19
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s antiphon we name Jesus “Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people.” In the gospel the elderly priest Zechariah is performing his duties in the sanctuary when the angel Gabriel appears and tells him that his wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son who will prepare people to recognize and accept the Messiah. Startled, Zachariah remarks that Elizabeth is beyond childbearing years and he himself is elderly. Gabriel says that because Zachariah doubted he will be unable to speak until his son John is born. When after an unusually long time, Zachariah emerges speechless from the sanctuary, the people rightly conclude that he has had a vision. How often God’s ways surprise us! When tragedy happens to people we care about or ourselves, our first response on the way to eventual acceptance is often a question: Why, God? Why did that happen to her? To him? To me? I imagine that like me you share a similar response when you are called on to do something that you feel is beyond your ability. My initial response is usually a half-formed question: Really, God? In response, I often sense the Holy Spirit stirring, sighing, reminding me that God and God’s mysteriousdesigns are real and Christ ‘s strength works through my weakness. Call to mind some of the improbable high and low moments God got you through. Give thanks for those past blessings and for God’s ongoing presence in your life.
18
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s O Antiphon names Jesus as leader of Israel and law giver. These titles remind us of God’s strength which we experience as God’s love for us from one generation to the next. The gospel shows us that our faithful God has faith in us. An angel appears in a dream and tells Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Even with angelic assurance, Joseph had to muster all of his courage to follow God’s direction. What dreams, what hopes are stirring in your own heart? This might be a call to move beyond your comfort zone. Start a conversationwith your colleague at work or school or the person who sits two seats away from you at Mass. Consider volunteering an hour’s service each week to the local food pantry or some other service organization. Take up drawing or writing or learning to play chess. Ask God what dreams God has for you and trust God’s grace to help you act on that..
17
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
We begin the O Antiphons today, the titles of Christ used in evening prayer and in the verse sung or recited before the day’s gospel reading. As we honor Christ as Wisdom, we see in the gospel God’s careful plan to become so close to us as to become one of us, a plan worked out through many generations. Like most families, Jesus’ family contains a mixed cast of characters. In today’s prayer remember all those who have helped make you the person you are today. Consider your birth family and all the other people and groups of people who have made a difference in your life. Give thanks for your inheritance: genetics, faith, family stories and more. Pray for those whom you have influenced.
16
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s readings remind us that our God often surprises us. In the first reading, Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, sets out with a group determined to attack an Israelite encampment. Inspired by God’s spirit, Balaam prevents the attack, speaking as “one who sees what the Almighty sees, enraptured, and with eyes unveiled…” (Num. 22:4). Balaam is also inspired to proclaim a messianic prophecy, a truth he characterizes ascertain though not near: “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel” (Num. 24:7). As we reflect on God’s daring humility and passionate love delivered to us in Bethlehem, we share Balaam’s awe; our eyes are unveiled as we see what God sees: what God had in mind before the world was created. What moment or person or creature of the Nativity story most captures your imagination? As you and God enjoy the wonder of the scene, ask God to guide your response. You might be called to say a particular prayer or to take an action like reaching out to help a person or an animal or to witness your faith by setting up or creating some Advent or Christmas display.
15
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
After two weeks of waiting and watching, we are ready to wonder. The prophet Zephaniah complies, proclaiming: “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior;he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you as one sings at festivals (Zep 3:18). Imagine that! Our great God delights in you personally, delights in each of us. At creation, God proclaimed our goodness; visibly and most intimately, God affirmed our goodness through the Incarnation. God will never stop affirming and loving us. Make today’s prayer an offering of praise and acceptance. Begin by calling to mind specific moments when you were aware of God’s guidance or a special blessing. Then ask God which traits and actions of yours delight God. This might seem a strange and, perhaps, difficult prayer, but whenwe don’t recognize what God sees in us, we fail to acknowledge God’s grace working in us and we’re likely to fall short in witnessing God’s goodness to others. Another way into this second part of the reflection or, perhaps, a way to conclude your reflection is to imagine that God is not just singing because of you but singing to you. It might be a love song, a rallying call or an anthem. Name that tune! You might even sing along.
14
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
We have ten days till Christmas Eve. We cannot escape the commercial countdown, the admonition to avoid last minute shopping and possible disappointments when supplies run low. Today’s readings have a similar urgency; the first reading recalls the prophet Elijah who, after being taken up in a fiery chariot, was expected to return before the coming of the messiah. In the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that Elijah came, but was not recognized. Without pause, Jesus adds: “So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands” (Mt. 17:12 ) This very short gospel excerpt concludes by stating that the disciples understand that Jesus is referring to John the Baptist as Elijah. The reference to Jesus’ suffering seems out of place in this season of joyful waiting, watching and wondering. However, we know that for some people, including some of us who are sharing these daily reflections, these are difficult and, sometimes, lonely days of experiencing sorrow and loss. Let us offer today’s prayers for everyone who is making these reflections. Born in Bethlehem so long ago, God’s mercy and love are wide enough to hold all of us with all of our emotions and experiences.
13
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel, Jesus exposes the inconsistent judgment of his listeners who compare Jesus’ practice of eating and drinking with sinners to John the Baptist ‘s fasting and find fault with both neither acceptable. Instead, they label Jesus a glutton and drunkard and accuse John of being possessed. The labels have changed, but much of our social discourse has become similarly dismissive. Jesus proposes a different measure, noting that “… wisdom is vindicated by her works” (Mt.11:19). Both John and Jesus changed lives. Spend some time today reflecting on how you think and speak about those whose attitudes and actions seem opposite your own. Do you try to explore the reason behind the other person’s position? Is it possible you share a common goal, but have radically different approaches? Whether or not you find any common ground, pray for that person and for a workable and peaceful solution to resolve your differences.
12
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron of the Americas. marks the anniversary of the fourth and last time Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. At Our Lady’s direction, St. Juan approached the regional bishop to request that a shrine be built at Tepeyac Hill, the site of the apparition. After the Bishop asked for proof of the apparition, Mary directed St. Juan to pick flowers growing on a nearby hill. St. Juan wrapped the flowers in his cloak and took them to the bishop. When St. Juan opened his cloak before the bishop, the flowers tumbled out and the opened cloak revealed an image of Mary, dark-skinned and dressed the way an indigenous pregnant noble woman would have dressed. The flowers were later identified as a type of rose that was not native to Mexico and would not normally have bloomed in winter. The shrine was built and the cloak, known as the tilma, remains on display to those who visit the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. What images or objects remind you of God or Mary or the saints? If you have access to the painting, statue, rosary or other object look at it. Otherwise, remember as many details as you can. When did you first see or acquire the object? Was it a gift? What details inspire you? Share your insights with God and give God some time to speak to your heart. Has your appreciation of the image deepened over the years? Perhaps, as you look at the image, you might want to change or add something. If so, you might sketch a new image or write a description of that change or addition. We update photos of our friends and occasionally tell them how our appreciation of our friendship has grown over the years. We can do the same with God who befriended us before we even knew what a friend was.
11
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s readings continue the theme of God’s care for us . Noting that God does not grow weak or weary, Isaiah promises: “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint” (Is 40:31). In the gospel, Jesus promises rest and companionship to those who are weary and burdened. These readings give a new model of authority: strength is demonstrated by empowering others rather than overpowering them. Pray for all those in positions of leadership and authority that they may be inspired to exercise their power with wisdom and justice.
10
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s readings challenge popular depictions of God’s power and glory. Isaiah depicts God comforting the people, speaking tenderly to Jerusalem, offering forgiveness and revealing God’s glory to all people. Described as being strong-armed, God is a shepherd who carries the lambs in his arms. In the gospel, Jesus compares God’s happiness when a sinner repents to that of a shepherd finding a lost sheep. When you think of God, what images come to mind? When God looks at you, what does God see?
9
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
The Immaculate Conception gives witness to God’s long loving view. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus and, as the epistle states, “chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). Mary is startled by the angel’s arrival and even more startled at the announcement that it’s God’s will that she will bear a son who “will be great and will be called Son of the Most High” (Lk. 1:32). When Mary asks how this will happen, the angel assures her that it will be accomplished through the Holy Spirit. As we know, Mary agrees to God’s plan. The angel tells Mary that her elderly cousin Elizabeth is pregnant “for nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk. 1:37). We marvel at how God’s power worked through Mary and Elizabeth, but do we underestimate God’s power to work through us? Do we hesitate to take on a task or offer an opinion because of a lack of confidence? Pray for an increase in confidence in God’s grace, in our own ability and in the support of those friends and family who urge us on.
8
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Proclaiming Christ’s good news must have seemed a daunting task to the early Christians. The Philippians must have taken comfort in hearing Paul’s assurance: “that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). Like those first Christians we too have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit who strengthens and encourages us In our relationships and ministry. In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist urges his listeners to prepare for the coming of the messiah and prophecies a world that will be transformed through God’s grace. Spend some time today identifying and giving thanks for evidence of God’s presence. Inspiration might come from witnessing an act of kindness, the beauty of a sunset or an inspiring phrase you read or heard on a podcast.
7
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel we hear Jesus direct the apostles to proclaim what Jesus himself had quietly proclaimed by his Bethlehem birth: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 10:7). Jesus also told the twelve to carry on his work of ministering to the sick, the poor and the marginalized. Although few of us may be called to these specific works, we are all called to proclaim God’s good news by the way we live, pray and serve others. As we conclude this first week of Advent, let us pray for all who share in these reflections and for the many works of the Franciscan Friars who have brought us together to share our reflections and prayer.
6
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel, two blind men ask Jesus to have pity on them. Touching their eyes Jesus heals them, saying their faith saved them. On this day when some families commemorate the generosity of St. Nicholas, the 4th century bishop of what is now Turkey by exchanging small gifts or setting out shoes or stockings to be filled, ask God to open your heart to receive and use whatever gifts God wishes to give you.
5
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In our psalm response, we pray: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light.” (Ps. 118:26). As a child I could never understand why my parents engaged in the seemingly endless untangling and testing of Christmas lights. As an older adult, Advent’s memories lay out before me a long, sometimes tangled line of people who through their kindness and words have shown me God’s light. Spend some time today remembering and praying for those who in some way shared with you the good news of God’s love. If possible, text or call one of those people who helped you on your faith journey.
4
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Four days into the season, how is your Advent going? Despite my determination to be reflective, I often find myself caught up in the season’s rush. In today’s gospel we hear how Jesus worried about the crowd who had had nothing to eat during the three days they spent listening to his teaching and watching him heal the sick. Blessing what was on hand — a few loaves of bread and some fish — Jesus directed the apostles to feed the crowd and then to gather the leftovers. As you come to prayer today, be assured that whether your heart is brimful with energy and attention or whether you come with good intentions and the leftover lagging energy of a long day, God welcomes and blesses you. Give thanks for the blessings of this day and ask God to bless your rest.
3
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s readings remind us that God is constant, faithful, generous and often surprising. Noting that the promised savior will rule with wisdom and good counsel, will judge the poor with justice and will defeat the wicked by words, Isaiah imagines a transformed world in which “The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them” (Is. 11:6). The laws of nature have not been overturned, but Isaiah’s imaginings invite us to remember the times God surprised us. Perhaps we had a very bad first impression of someone who has become a trusted friend. What seemed a chance meeting or a small random act of kindness we gave or received might have touched us deeply. Spend some prayer time today, remembering and giving thanks for unexpected blessings.
2
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Given the daily news of warring nations and national tensions, today’s first reading calls us to both lamentation and hope. Anticipating a time when many nations and peoples turn to God for instruction, the prophet writes, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Is. 2:4). As we prepare to remember the birth of Jesus, Prince of Peace, let us pray for an end to war and violence and let us ask God to make us people who experience and share peace.
1
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
When I was a child, my mother tried to convince me that the anticipation of Christmas added to the joy of the celebration. Adults have a longer view of time than children and God’s view is even longer as we see in the first reading. The prophet Jeremiah tells the people that God will fulfill the longstanding promise that from the House of David God would raise up a just shoot who “shall do what is right and just in the land” (Jer. 33:15)..As we begin advent, spend some time remembering and giving thanks for the many ways God has been faithful to you throughout your life. Do any events stand out? These “God moments” might be times of prayer or times of sorrow or celebration when you were graced by the support of family or friends.
Reflections By Fran McManus, RSM
Fran McManus, RSM, is a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She teaches literature and poetry writing in the Adult Education Program of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Her poems have appeared in Re: A Journal of Ideas https://reideasjournal.com/sisterfranpoems and in The New York Writers Coalition Journal https://nywriterscoalition.org/journal/11357/12.