"... it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep." - Romans 13:11  

In Christ, all blessings God has promised are given. Advent invites us to open ourselves up to these awesome blessings!  
 
What gets in the way of our being open to the gifts with which the Lord wants to shower us? We look at the world around us, not with fearful or judging hearts, but being very much aware of the ways we have accommodated ourselves to its values. We look at our own lives and acknowledge how we have become, to use a word Pope Francis often used, “worldly.”  
 
It is easy to think of the sins that challenge others. The important thing for each one of us, though, is to think of our own sins. What are the challenges the Lord is making to me this Advent, so that I’ll be ready and awake to receive the gift he promises me, the gift of his Son?  
 
Our sins can keep us from receiving Jesus with an open heart, but allowing worry to infect our hearts can close us off as well. The uncertainty of the year that is about to end can certainly touch our hearts and make us be full of worry. The promise made in this holy season is greater than any worry we might have, though. As we prepare for Christmas 2025, be aware of what obstacles to receiving Jesus with joy there are in your life and in the life of your family.  

EXCERPTED FROM a reflection by Fr. Alfred Hernandez on the readings for Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025  

​TAGS: Reflection

"For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26  

Don't think this is what the turtle intended. Somehow he got himself beached on the tree trunk. He either got stuck on an ant hill or just got lost finding his way back to the water. Maybe, though, he has big dreams of being a bear and climbing trees!  

But he's just a turtle. We all have dreams and hopes and goals. Some want to fly to the moon; others dive to the bottom of the sea. Some want to be CEO of a major corporation; others want to help customers at the local retail store.  

No dream is too big, too silly, or too outlandish. For they are only dreams, hopes, and goals. Take a plan, add some hope, and mix in loads of faith. With God, all things are possible.  

Go, Mr. Turtle, run and climb as fast as you can. You have God behind you!  

Companion God, place me in the situations that will lead me to fulfill my dreams, hopes, and goals according to Your will. Amen.  

TAGS: Prayer, Reflection