As we begin Advent, we are asked to watch and prepare. How does Christ come to us?

Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120317.cfm

A brief reflection (in the absence of giving a homily this weekend) on the readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112617.cfm for the Feast of Christ the King.

As Catholics, we are invited to give thanks everyday. The challenge is that we too readily fail to recognize God's blessings.

Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112317-thanksgiving.cfm

At our LifeTeen Retreat this weekend, we received a reminder that we are gifted with all we need to live and guide disciples to the Lord. Are we going to dare to use it, perhaps even fail and lose it.

Readings found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111917.cfm

In our readings, we hear of wisdom, and that is a virtue needed in to be stewards. Wisdom is to see as God sees, with an eternal perspective. We grow in wisdom by avoiding vice and going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, prayer and adoration, reading of the lives and the writings of the Saints, and by remembering we become the average of the people we spend time with.

Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111217.cfm.

Unlike the harshness of the pharisees, to whom Jesus refers as those who are to be listened to but not followed by their example, St. Paul is gentle and proclaims the Gospel without being a burden. Stewards are called to be gentle.

The readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110517.cfm

We are God's Children NOW! We are called to be saints, and the Loving Father gives us what we need.

Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110117.cfm

The heart of a steward is filled with love of God and neighbor, willing the good of each, responding to the love of God with every part of one's being. How are we loving the Lord?

Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102917.cfm

We are called to render to God what is His due, and to give to others their due. This requires Justice, which enables us to know a do the right. As we strive to be stewards, praying for the gift of justice helps us to know what is right to give.

We are called to a great eternal banquet, but a simple yes does not suffice. Do we prepare our hearts with trust, seeking conversion?