FAREWELL TO CHRISTMAS SEASON - 2010/2011
(picture above is the nativity scene in our chapel)
As the Franciscan friars here at our Prayer Fraternity in Ava, MO celebrate liturgy today for the Feast of the BAPTISM OF THE LORD JESUS, we say farewell to the Christmas season for another year grateful for the gift of this and every Christmas. Several final thoughts we'd like to share with you:
"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you ..... Yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brothers and sisters and offer them your hand." Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
"With each succeeding day of ... Christmas, we continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. There is no power on earth great enough to silence the melody. We sing even though there are rumors of wars and threats of terrorism. We sing even though there are storm clouds on the horizon and blustering winds shaking the window frames. We sing because the Son of God has become the Son of Man, God-With-Us. We sing because the Eternal Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We sing because we have seen His glory, glory that is full of grace and truth. We sing because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who came into the world to shield us from all that could harm us. We sing because He is the Light of Life who is our strength in adversity."
"With Christ at our side, we will not walk the path of life alone. Even though we are not righteous and devout, this child can replace our frustration with peace; our guilt with forgiveness; our anxiety with faith; our depression with hope; and our confusion with clarity of sight. As we gaze into the Child's eyes, we will come to realize that it is actually He who is cradling us in the palm of His hand. There, wrapped in Love's embrace, let us sing the new hymn of creation and continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord." Fr. Jerome from the Trappist Abbey of Genesse in New York
No comments:
Post a Comment