Our Advent Journey Begins

Advent is my liturgical season. I love the expectation, the unraveling of God’s plan for salvation through the readings and prayers in the season, and the gradual buildup to Christmas and the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As we begin this journey towards the birth of the newborn King, I would encourage each of you to take up some penitential practice as Advent is a penitential season. Whether that means depriving yourself of some comfort, making some spiritual practice a regular part of your life, or practicing gratitude in a more frequent and profound manner.

Throughout the season of Advent, we as the priests of St. Joseph Pillar of Families will be focusing on gratitude and worship. I would even offer you an Advent challenge to perhaps thank someone who has impacted your life, and they may have no inkling of your appreciation. Perhaps taking the challenge to do this each week of Advent whether it be in person, by phone, or by letter/note. Even if the person is deceased, perhaps you could write them a thank-you note and then offer a Rosary for the repose of their soul.

The final challenge has to do with Christmas itself. As you go to Christmas Mass this year (please check out the Christmas Mass Schedule), I want to invite you to be bold and brave in approaching people who may not be at Sunday Mass normally but join us for Christmas. Perhaps they are family that comes with you to that Mass, maybe they are friends or neighbors, or maybe they are entirely unknown to you. No matter the relationship, approach them and thank them for being there and ask them some questions about themselves and as you depart wish them a “Merry Christmas!” Tell them that you would love to see them every Sunday.

Please note that we will have a series of Days of Grace throughout the Advent season. Please take the opportunity to receive the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. Make this the best Advent ever and take advantage of this wonderful time to prepare your heart to receive Jesus, the King. He loves you and loves those around you. That is why I am encouraging you to welcome those who join us; we want them to know, love, and serve Jesus. The Catholic Church is the privileged way for us to worship and receive salvation in Christ.

Remember to share words of gratitude and peace. There is always something to be grateful for in our lives and in the world. Do not allow gossip or complaining to grip your heart and steal your joy in Christ. This will only lead our Family of Parishes down the path of pain and perdition. The Lord has not abandoned us. Each and every one of us is loved and chosen by God, appointed to serve the greatness of His majesty.

Thank you to the Blessed Virgin Mary who bore the salvation of the world in her womb. May we wrap ourselves in the warmth and safety of her mantle. She has always been there for me in the best and worst of times. Thank you, Mary, for saying “Yes” that we might have life!

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Jarred Kohn