Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 24th, 2023

 Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 24th, 2023

It just seems to make common sense that you have to have all the parts in order to make something complete.  For example, if a bike is missing the wheels . . . .  it is incomplete.  How frustrating would it be to work on a 5,000 piece puzzle and discover some of the pieces were missing?  Or if you are in the kitchen, how are you going to prepare something if you do not have all of the ingredients?  I might have it in my mind to bake a cherry pie but what if I do not have any cherries for my cherry pie?  Again, it only makes sense that we must have all the parts or all the ingredients on hand if we are going to make something.  In essence, St. Paul is saying this to the Philippians in the fourth chapter of that epistle when he writes:  " . . . . but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God." (Philippians 4:6)  When it comes to prayer, very often we are missing some of the elements. Many people only pray when they need something.  Many of us only go to God when we are in need of a favor from Him.  And it is fine to go to God when you are in need of something . .. or in trouble . . . or in need of mercy . . . . after all, God is our loving Father and He wants to be there for His children.  But, that being said, we should not ONLY approach God solely when we need something.  That would be the equivalent of a neighbor who won't give you the time of  day but will only come to you when they need something.  Or having a relative that never contacts you except when they need to borrow some money.  We need to go to God in prayer not only when we need something from Him.  This is what St. Paul is saying.  We need to also praise Him when we pray.  And we certainly need to pray in Thanksgiving when we pray.  In other words, we need to thank Him for the many blessings He bestows upon us during our lifetime.  "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to Him with psalms."  (Psalm 94:2)  Christmas is the season of giving.  Let each of us focus on giving more time to God.  Let us dedicate more prayer time to God.  Do not let the fast pace of the world and all the being busy in life keep us from approaching God.  Let us take time each day from our busy lives in order to dedicate that time solely to God.  

NOTE:  On Sunday, December 24th, 2023, Mass will be celebrated at our normal time of 10:30 am on Sunday morning.  On Monday, December 25th, 2023, Christmas Day, we will celebrate Mass at a special time of 11:00 am.  Please make a point of joining us one day or both days if you can.