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Journey with us to the manger.
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life."
This Advent, we're inviting you to stop. To not get caught up in the anxieties of daily life to the point where your heart becomes drowsy and you lose sight of the goal of this busy season. But it is a busy season, and we know you may not find the time you need at home or at work.
Instead of adding one more thing to your December to-do list, we're simply asking you to come to Mass. Come to Mass every Sunday, just like you would anyway, but treat each of the four Sundays of Advent as a retreat. Notice the music that calms your mind as you enter the Church. Notice the pauses for reflection as you pray through the Mass. Hear the readings from Scripture. Every Mass prepares us for Jesus's return, and at every Mass, we receive Him and His peace in the Eucharist.
Click here for this Sunday's readings.
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"Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight His paths."
For the second part of our Advent retreat, we're focusing on our need for a savior as we prepare to meet Him. The good news? He's already arrived, and He keeps coming to meet us. The harder news? We have to prepare the way and open a path for Him in our lives.
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Prepare the Way at Mass
Recall that there are three levels of preparation during Advent - three "advents" or "comings" of Christ.
One of these advents is the advent of Christ at every single celebration of the Eucharist. At every Mass, He comes to us substantially and asks us to receive Him into our bodies.
We are captured by sin and in need of a savior, and here He comes to pour His life into our souls! When you arrive before Mass, meditate on the fact that Christ is about to be made present to you. Prepare the way for your heart to receive Him by desiring His presence and removing the distracting roadblocks that prevent a full awareness of His gift at the Mass."Flee your preoccupations for a little while. Hide yourself for a time from your turbulent thoughts. Cast aside, now, your heavy responsibilities and put off your burdensome business. Make a little space free for God; and rest for a little time in him." - St. Anslem
Listen to how St. Anslem describes this time of prayer! When you enter the Church, flee your preoccupations and rest with the Lord.Read the whole passage here
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The Anima Christi
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Written by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Anima Christi is a great prayer for union with Christ. While it can be used at any time, it is traditionally prayed before or after receiving the Eucharist.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.
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Questions for Reflection
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What good things of this life may be distracting me from God, or making my connection with Jesus more difficult?
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What things have I regretted doing but not yet repented of?
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Am I open to recognize and receive Jesus today?
Am I ready to meet Him when He comes again?
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Looking for more chant?
To help preserve a prayerful environment before Mass, we will play Gregorian chant prior to Mass throughout the Advent season. If you enjoy this sort of music, check out the playlists we are using!
Gregorian Chant (album by the Monks of the Abbey of Notre Dame)Chants of Deliverance by Floriani
Floriani chant of exorcismWhat about Christmas Carols?
Christmas carols are great--and proper to the Christmas season! Try listening to Advent-themed music in these weeks of preparation and then bring out the carols on December 25th!
If you're not sure what "Advent music" is, here are some recommendations! Notice the focus on anticipation and preparation as we approach the Christmas season.
The Advent of Christmas (album by Matt Maher)
Advent at Ephesus (album by Benedictines of Mary
The Oh Hello's Family Christmas album
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Thank you to Acts XXIXWe are drawing from Acts XXIX's Advent Guide this season. Among other ministries, Acts XXIX has produced the Rescue Project. After three successful Rescue Project sessions at St. Monica, we are incorporating this Advent guide to allow our whole parish to experience benefits from this program. Click here to learn more about the Acts XXIX.
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