Come Away By Yourselves

The first in a series of classes on the Nicene Creed.   We cover the concepts of Creation and Conservation, the omnipotence of God and out capacity to know God with reason alone. 

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

God wakes up the young boy Samuel four times when he gives him his vocation as a prophet.   God will also wake us up from different forms of spiritual slumber when we go to him in our times of prayer.   Jesus does something similar with Andrew and John.  When they take their very first steps as disciples, he asks them "What are you seeking?"  We should reflect on how much we listen to God in our prayer, how engaged our own will and desire is in following him, and from what kinds of spiritual sleep we need to be aroused. 

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

The feast of the Epiphany tells us that Christ meant for everyone.   The Magi are the very first of billions of gentiles who will come to be saved in Jesus.  The journey of the Magi speaks to us of our own need to search for God.  The star they follow and the finding of Jesus bring them great joy, as our own vocation and conversions give us the joy of meeting God in Christ.

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Christmas puts before us the Virgin Mary loving and caring for her Divine Son.  It's a scene that we can enter into in our prayer and in our life.  Jesus says that we too are "his mother" insofar as we do God's will.  God allows Mary and all of us to love him in the Christ child just as He has always loved us: with a mother's heart.  Christmas is a time to begin life again with a newfound trust in the goodness of God.

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Originally published Christmas 2020

How wonderful it must have been for the Shepherds from Bethlehem to enter the stable on Christmas night !  Our times of prayer this Christmas are our own chance to be close to the baby Jesus, to speak softly with Mary and Joseph, to be wrapped up in the mystery of God present in the Child.  The warm light of the fire in the stable lets us see and welcome into our lives him who is the Light of Life. 

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Today we contemplate three ways of thinking about Jesus and his coming.  He is the light of the world to whom John the Baptist gives witness.  He is the eternal Word.  John's voice and ours expresses this Word in preaching and in holiness of life.  He is our salvation.  By turning away from sin and towards charity with his help, Jesus heals us and brings us deep peace and joy.

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Advent is a penitential season, a time to reckon with our sinfulness and to convert.  Conversion requires the belief that we can radically change with God's help.  God can fill the valley of our frustration and loneliness.  He can lower the mountain of our pride and self-reliance.  For this to happen, however, we have to desire it and ask for it with confidence.

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Advent is a time of patience and hope.  Both of these virtues entail waiting.  Waiting for God is sometimes very difficult, especially in trying situations.  Our faith in Jesus, who is God with us and faithful to his promises, bolsters our ability to wait for him with joyful hope.  Our faith overcomes the tribulation of the world and even makes us peaceful in the face of possible persecution.  

Originally published 2021

Christ's kingdom is hidden, progresses slowly, and respects our freedom.  It therefore has to be sought out, given time to develop, and freely assented to.   When recognized as our King, Christ brings peace and holiness to our souls.

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Jesus often calls us to vigilance.  We know neither the time nor the hour of his second coming and the time of our own death is certain but unknown to us.  The best preparation for our judgment is found in discerning and doing the will of God. 

https://comeawaybyyourselves.com