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December 5, 2021
Second Sunday of AdventThis Actually Happened
PDF DownloadIt’s important to teach our children the Gospels’ literary genre: history. Sourced and documented within the context of other historical events, the Gospels tell us things that really happened.
When St. Luke specifies that St. John the Baptist’s ministry took place in the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius, he isn’t telling a story. He is reporting events. He wants us to know that God truly came to us in human form. He really wants to dwell in our world and our hearts.
This good news comes with a challenge. Jesus really lived among us and he promised to return. How will we respond? Will we be ready to receive him?
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Year of the Family: Live the Joy of God's Love
“The covenant of love and fidelity lived by the Holy Family of Nazareth illuminates the principle which gives shape to every family and enables it better to face the vicissitudes of life … Every family, despite its weaknesses, can become a light in the darkness of the world. Nazareth teaches us the meaning of family life, its loving communion, its simple and austere beauty, its sacred and inviolable character. May it teach how sweet and irreplaceable is its training, how fundamental and incomparable its role in the social order.”
Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) #66In his reflection on the time in Nazareth before Jesus’ public ministry, Pope Francis reminds us that this quiet time was also a time of training. The Holy Family, living in a loving community, were preparing for Jesus to begin his public ministry. God himself took time to be with us in community before he was ready to form us. He took time to get to know his family, Nazareth, and the world of First Century Judea. This prepared Jesus and the Holy Family for Jesus’ public ministry.
Check out Archbishop Etienne’s weekly reflection on Advent and other resources on the Advent Draw Near to Christ webpage.
Parish Resources Available!
If you are a pastor, parish staff member or volunteer looking for Year of the Family resources for your parish, please visit this link.
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Take time to read and reflect on the Scriptures for this Sunday.
Don’t have access to a Bible?
Visit www.usccb.org/bible/readings or download an app such as Laudate or iBreviary to access the Mass readings.
Baruch 5:1-9
God is leading Israel in mercy and justice.
Psalm 126
The Lord has done great things for us.
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
The one who began a good work in you will complete it.
Luke 3:1-6
Prepare a way of the Lord!
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Ways to make the incarnation feel more real:
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Learn a little about First Century history: Every Catholic should learn a little about the history of the first century. We should know enough about the Roman Empire and its relationship to Israel to understand what Jesus is doing in the Gospels and what St. Paul is talking about in his letters. One easy resource is the simple biblical history section in the Catholic Study Bible. It’s less than 10 pages.
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Ask your child what they know about the time of Jesus: Once you have enough background, ask your child what they know about the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius and the world in which Jesus was born. See what your child knows.
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Let your child know what was going on when Jesus was born: Share with your child how most people in the world were paying close attention to the power of Caesar and the Roman empire, but some faithful people were watching and waiting for God to fulfil a promise he made to the Jewish people.
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Encourage your child to think about what God is doing in their life: Let your child know that, often, when the most important things are happening, not everyone is paying attention to the most important things. Encourage your child to think about what God might be doing in their life that other people might miss.
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Coronavirus, anxiety and children
Buiding Family Bonds during the Coronavirus
A collection of resources to help families build stronger bonds in spite of the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus, Anxiety, Children and the Church
A helpful guide for parents who wish to talk to children about COVID-19 in an empowering and reassuring way.
Explaining the News to Our Kids
This article provides parents with guidance on how to talk with our children when there are disturbing things in the news.
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Caring for those who are alone
The Office of Pastoral Ministries offers excellent resources that can help us care for those among us who are lonely or suffering from anxiety during this time.
Want to call someone in need, but not sure what to say? Click here for a guide (available in English and Spanish).
Want to pray for someone who is experiencing anxiety? Click this link to find text for prayers that can help (available in English and Spanish).
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Domestic violence during the pandemic
Domestic Violence is an all too real part of the lives of many families. Parish leaders can and should play a role in protecting those at risk. Below are some resources that can help us begin to respond:
Archdiocese of Seattle Domestic Violence Resources
When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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