The Emmaus Pastorate’s Podcast

Stump.  Let us be a stump.  For from the stump of Jesse came our savior!  Stumps aren't pretty when they start, and they need lots of tender, loving care for the plant to grow or transform.  This Advent, let's be stumps and allow Christ to transform us into something beautiful!

Hope.  Advent is all about hope.  But hope it's aimless.  It has specificity.  The gospel message gives us hope, and with it we are called to respond.  What's your response to God's hope?

As we look to the new (liturgical or church) year, it's a good idea to reflect on the past year.  What's been the priority in my life?  Who or what has had rule over me, my time, and my attention?  As we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, let's ask ourselves: Is Jesus the King of my life?

"Be not afraid."  Those are the words Jesus spoke most often.  "Be not afraid."  And then we look at the readings leading up to Christ the King and are amazed when they sound just like the 10:00 news!  But Jesus tells us, "Be not afraid."  Salvation is coming, and we are called to play a part in its coming until it finally does.  So, "be not afraid!"

Although Fr. John wasn't able to join us for worship this weekend, Deacon Paul was able to lead us in a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest (SCAP) in which he preached on the impending arrival of God's kingdom.  Question of the week: where are you looking?

How's your perspective?  Zacchaeus, a shorter rich man, decided to climb a tree to both see and experience Jesus.  He put in a little effort.  He adjusted his vantage point.  How's your perspective...your experience...of Jesus today?

As baptized Catholics, we aren't called to stand in church and cry out to God how wonderful we are.  We are called to serve the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, to deliver justice to the oppressed.  We are called to be missionaries!  What's a missionary?  Simple: someone who makes a difference in the life of another.

Support.  We all need it.  So from whom do you get it, and to whom are you giving it?

All of us - whether we realize it or not - have a desire to belong.  All of us - whether we recognize it in others or not - are called to invite and include people in our communities.  As we meet the homeless person on the corner or welcome the child through Baptism, "we are all hungry people," and "we are gathered together as one in the Lord."

 

Thanks to Fr. Sam Cunningham, SVD, for filling in for Fr. John this weekend!

Caring for migrants.  Protecting the unborn.  Feeding hungry children.  Educating seminarians.  Repairing our cathedral.  Providing for our retired priests.  If we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can do anything, even command a tree to be uprooted and replanted in the sea!