Pray That You Are Ready

29 Nov

“Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”  (Lk 21:36)

Today is the last day of Ordinary Time.  This evening, we begin the Season of Advent.

We have been reflecting upon the end of time the past couple of weeks.  Now it the time to “look ahead”.  God has come to us as an infant long ago.  That same infant, now a man, crucified on a cross and risen from the dead, will come again in glory.  On that day, we had best be found waiting.

Use the upcoming season to be as prepared as possible.  Construct an Advent wreath and, as a family, use it to keep you focused on the Advent journey.  Plan to go to confession some time this Advent so as to be spiritually cleansed and renewed. In doing so, you will escape the tribulations that await the unprepared.

For your planning, Advent Penance Services for the Southlake Deanery are listed below.  All times are at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
December 15:
Our Lady of Grace, Highland
December 16:  
St. John the Evangelist, St. John (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.)
St. Mary, Griffith
St. Mary, Crown Point
St. Thomas More
December 17:
St. Michael, Schererville
Holy Name, Cedar Lake
December 18:
St. Andrew, Merrillville
St. Edward, Lowell
December 19:
Ss. Peter & Paul, Merrillville (1:00 p.m.)
December 22:
Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville
St. James, Highland

FAITH ACTION:  If you have not already done so, make an Advent Wreath so that you may mark the passage of this season in preparation for Christmas.

ADVENT WREATH BLESSING
For the First Sunday of Advent,
gather the family together and pray
the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, we begin our
Advent Season in joyful expectation.
We await not only the celebration of
the birth of your Son at Christmas but
also the day when He returns.
Help us to be vigilant, so that we may be found prepared.
We ask this in your name, who live and reign forever and
ever. Amen.

After the prayer, light the first purple candle of your wreath.
Then, if you wish, sing together:

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel.
That mourns in lonely exile here.
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!