We are in an age when family life is threatened by conflicts, violence, exploitation, humiliation, disrespect, indifference, hatred, abuse and above all, when members of the family think only about themselves, hurt others and marital vows are grossly disregarded, husband and wife tend to forget that they are one flesh and that their children are flesh of their flesh.

The answer to family questions lies in the family of Nazareth, when mothers could learn from Mary's affection for the Infant Jesus and respect for her spouse Joseph; fathers could learn from Joseph's unwavering support and protection for the Infant Jesus and his wife, even in difficult moments.

Dear Parish Family,

Baby Jesus has come to you. He had you in mind when he created the world and when he made a promise to Abraham, Jacob, Moses and David. He was born for you and carried his cross for you. He prepared a way for you on the day of his resurrection and on the day of his ascension. He prepared a place for you on the day he entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter and the Apostles, and also on the day of Pentecost, the birthday of his Church. All of this from the beginning of time until today is for you. Jesus is born for you.

We are very close to Christmas and tonight we begin the celebration of the mystery of the incarnation of Christ among us. As we can see, the attention shifts from John the Baptist to Mary the Mother of God. It is good to point out that this story is only found in Luke's gospel. Hence, we reflect upon Mary's example of faith and obedience to God which permitted her to receive the angel's message that God's son would be born as a human person like one of us. She is to be mother of Christ.

“There is one ... coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” Untying sandalstraps was no prestigious job. In the days of John the Baptist, those straps would have been especially unpleasant to deal with. Besides the usual odors that accompany sockless leather footwear, there would have been the grime and dirt from the sandy roads and paths that swirledaround the people who went everywhere on foot. Taking off someone’s shoes upon their arrival wasthe task of the lowly servants. So when John says he’s unworthy of doing this task for the “one whois coming after me,” he is putting himself in a very humble position. And rightly so.

Day by day, Day by day, Oh Dear Lord, Three things I pray: To see thee more clearly - Love thee more dearly - Follow thee more nearly -Day by day!

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. It is easy for the world to skip over Advent with its "Buy, Buy, Buy" materialism. It is easy to forget about prayer and repentance.

In many 'quit smoking' campaigns, the emphasis is on quitting something.....and too often people have to quit many times before they finally quit for good. Once they realize that they can breathe better, have more energy, and food actually has a taste, they see the benefits of their journey of quitting smoking. They have replaced smoking with a healthier life and better breathing to be sure.

What do you do when someone you love very dearly and miss very much has been gone a verylong time but promises to return soon? How do you prepare to welcome him/her? Naturally, we anticipate the return with great excitement getting ready with all we can to ensure that on his arrival we are seen in a very good situation. We would be glad that this person finds us happy, joyful and looking good. This is what the season of Advent is all about, getting ready to welcomethe Lord at Christmas with joy, happiness and excitement. The joy and excitement that is rooted inthe word of God that should inspire our every act.