Week 32 - The Journey Advent Feast of the Holy Family.



Week 32 - The Journey Advent Feast of the Holy Family. 

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, and who walk in his ways."  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭128:1‬

The Feast of the Holy Family, what a blessing to listen to the voice of God and hear Him speak.  Joesph, Mary and Jesus are the Holy Family, the perfect will of God and their lives emulate this perfect will.  We would think that their lives would be perfect, from the outside they face their challenges.  Losing Jesus on their journey home from the temple and the anxiety of looking for him.  

Yet on the inside they were at peace for they lived the Psalms.  Following this holy will brings us closer to this place of peace and more important it demonstrates the love of God.  Within God's word is the keys to eternal life, Jesus points us to the Father and to our obedience to listening.  

https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading, 

Reading I Sir 3:2-6, 12-14, Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, Reading II Col 3:12-21, and the Gospel Lk 2:41-52

We can live out the Gospels with peace and harmony in our lives and receive the joys of Christian living or we can face the God of Justice and experience His love as He points us towards eternity.  Holy fear is the best kind.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  This will be last written thought for the year as I seek to do His will and be obedient to what He is saying.  

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, there are many real examples of holy living that we are witness to, their lives are not perfect yet they do share the joy of the Gospel in their example.  Your Holy Family does the same and even though they could not find Jesus for three days, they were at peace in their hearts.  Give us the grace to continue this journey into holy life, bring us to Your temple to worship and praise as Jesus teaches.   May we never forget what brings about the rewards of life, they are not material things but spiritual gifts.  Bless this day, keep us safe on our travels and blessings to all the holy men and women paying attention.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Good Success, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/v4ZkfUAiGCM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 32 - The Journey Advent Christmas Day



Week 32 - The Journey Advent Christmas Day. 

"All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  ‭‭John‬ ‭1:3-5‬

Are we truly alive without knowing and living the life of Christ within us?  Merry Christmas, it is a joy to sit in the presence of God with the light of Christ living within.  I pray your Christmas season is a blessing, I pray you are at peace with all that life is bringing your way.  It is a journey, a journey of learning and watching, of one listening and responding.

Christmas isn't a period of time each year, it is living a life with the love of Christ within.  God the Father gives us His Son so He can show us the way, so He can carry the cross of our sin and He willingly accepts this so we can live freely in the love of God, being obedient as His Son is obedient.  This is Christmas.  

Merry Christmas from the McCourts and remember your example is being watched and imitated. 

https://youtu.be/tWeXVnRm6R8

Mary, Mother of Jesus, Queen Mother, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Foster Father of Jesus, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 32 - The Journey Advent Christmas Eve



Week 32 - The Journey Advent Christmas Eve

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,". ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:76‬

A Mother's Love.  The much anticipated time is very close, only the day lays before us.  I recall the excitement as a child knowing the awaited time was close.  Do you recall those emotions and feelings?  A Mother gave birth to her first born son, the Savior of the world, this moment literally defines time, BC vs AD

"And you, my child", what about Mary's other anticipated times, the spiritual birth of her son's and daughters.  "and she gave birth to her firstborn son." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:7‬a.  We are called to be children of God, no child can mature without a mother, no family is complete without a father or a mother.  Mary Journey's through the centuries awaiting the birth of her children, the ones that will seek their father and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Let's not forget the role Mother Mary plays in salvation history, she delivers amazing gifts literally.  If we would only listen to the wisdom of God just like Jesus who listened to His mother.  Merry Christmas, the time is here to celebrate the joys of Christian life, the reason that we live in hope.  Watch your children and grandchildren, that same excitement is yours when Christ is within knowing God is coming again.   

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, there is joy in my heart, there is anticipation in my soul and there is peace in my spirit.  I have watched You and Your Holy Family bring about things that are meant to be.  I am seeing families enjoying their time together, people slowing down to appreciate each other, to be at peace.  Father, thank You for giving us Mary, a sons love always goes towards his mother, for when he gets in trouble, she knows how to talk to Father.  Bless this morning Lord, bless this day and fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit.  Come Lord Jesus Come.  

Mary, Virgin Mother Most Pure, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/SbS6cdfWPaQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 32 - The Journey Advent week 4



Week 32 - The Journey Advent week 4

"Now I am sending my messenger— he will prepare the way before me; And the Lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire— see, he is coming! says the Lord of hosts."  ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3:1‬

The message, He is coming!  Before words were said between Mary and Elizabeth, the message was delivered and received.   The temple had been prepared for the Lord and so He entered.   Advent is a time of preparation, to reflect upon where we are at in the spiritual journey.  Does the Risen Christ live within, does He go where I go all the time? 

He is coming, Elizabeth and Zechariah were ready, their hearts were prepared.  We await upon the Christ during the Advent season, upon His final return but each of us our messengers that brings a message into the world.   Are we living with Christ?  Do we make every effort to bring peace into the world and the situations we encounter?  He is coming.  

What is God saying to me?

Dear Lord God, my heart is ready Lord, my heart is ready.  I see You at work, preparing the way with those who are faithfully responding some unaware of the calling they have.  Thank You Lord for taking up residency in the temple that You have prepared.   Prayers for the proper response to the questions that will come along with peace in Your holy temple.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Z_p2a_BJthQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 32 - The Journey Advent week 4



Week 32 - The Journey Advent week 4

"And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;". ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:46‬

Purity of heart.  I witness Mary living within the walls of God, everything is changing in her world, her life has been given new meaning with the evidence of the Christ to soon appear.  Yet in all of these changes, she is right where we are called to be, at the Masters feet.  

Her life revolves around God and her love for Him, nothing seems to interfere with this.  We are approaching the last few days prior to all the expected celebrations, can we say the same about our reflection back to God.  It seems to get busier this time of year and things do not always go as expected.  

We can learn a lesson from a young women who has walked where we are walking.  Sit back, watch the clouds slowly pass by, ponder the mysteries of Heaven and your response to them.  Allow God to intertwine with You and bring about new life within, the birthing pains aren't easy but the joy will carry you through the rough spells.  

What is God saying to me?  They are beautiful, glad you noticed.  Life will continue, it is your response back to it that will make the biggest difference within.   

Dear Father, it is a beautiful morning, sitting and watching, listening to the gifts of Your Holy Spirit.  I am thankful for all and am recognizing my own weaknesses in my response back.  Mary can teach us valuable lessons if we would just sit and watch, her life was not an easy one.  Prayers for a friend going through changes and not really knowing what is next, prayers for a family with lots of mixed emotions.  Help all of us recognize the beauty of life and the joy it brings when You are the center.  I ask this in Your most holy name, Jesus Christ, Creator Blest.  Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/BVOzIevQsww

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 4





Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 4

"My lover speaks and says to me, "Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come! For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come!"  ‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2:10-13‬

Love language.  When I read this scripture this morning, I see Mary and her Love conversing, I see the time of fulfillment coming, the birth of Jesus.  Mary honors God with her life, she was His, it is agape love.  What love language do you have with God?  

"Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength."  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5‬.  As the celebration of Christmas approaches in what ways is your relationship with God changing?  What about His Holy family?  This Advent season has been all about the mother of Jesus, Mary.  This is a grace from God and it is something that He engages with our intellect.  

Faith is meant to be alive, to be lived and experienced.  The lovers in the Song of Songs express their love for each other, only one of them is physically alive but both of them are spiritual alive.  What message is God conveying to you?  And for us men it is ok to express our love for God in our everyday lives.  

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, I read and You speak, I watch and You paint, I live and You handle.  There are many thoughts going thru my head this morning as I try and process all that is going on.  You are real and continue to reveal Yourself in the commonness of everyday events.  Thank You for the gift of Christmas, for the time to ponder the birth of Your Son and how we are to relate to Him and Your Holy Family.  Thank You Father for engaging our senses and emotions as You continue to prune the branches and prepare the ground for that glorious day.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/-qO_BP_JWAU

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 4



Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 4

"Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky!"  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7:11‬

Full of Grace.   A new beginning, it isn't easy journeying into the heart of God, it isn't a short journey but one that yields many fruits.  Are we not looking for a sign as well, to know that we are on the right path.  God starts over again with His perfect creation.  "he created them male and female. When they were created, he blessed them and named them humankind."  ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭5:2‬

It is easy to look at the Christmas story as the story of Jesus, it is also the story of Mary as well.  Without His perfect creation we would not be talking about Jesus, without the Fathers love we would not have Mary.  Mary is as much of the sign,  as the Virgin birth of Jesus.  "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel."  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7:14‬

Like most women, her role is hidden.  Her attention is turned to the needs of her Son, the Son of God.  He is more than a sign, He is God, the one Mary points too.   Watch as a mother takes care of her child, watch as she sacrifices for His well being, not thinking of self.  Watch as the days are long and the work never easy but also watch as she gives what was given her, a heart full of grace.  Mary, along with us celebrates the birthday of Jesus.  May He find rest in your heart.  

What is God saying to me?  It is all intertwined together bringing about the fruits of Heaven, only to be revealed in moments of silence.  

Dear Father, I sit and watch as a mother showers her children with love, who gives without expectation.  I watch as a mother shares the joy that brings her happiness in her life, a life that is not easy, one hidden and in the shadows, where it is meant to be.  Thank You Father for providing great examples of Holy women, ones that are full of grace.  Thank You for the sign that brings us salvation and peace into our lives.  Prayers for a joyful week, for hearts to be filled with Your love, prayers for all those traveling this week.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workmen, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/_pAZCHlTGGQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3



Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3

""Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:23-24‬

"God is with us."  From the interior of a dream God speaks and His intentions are made real.  From a mother's womb, the Son of God moves, "God is with us."  The reality of God is real, His presence is real, in our midst, this is the joy of Christmas, God being with us.  

These stories in the Bible were a reality for those who literally experienced them and for us, in our daily journey into the heart of God, we as well can experience God with us.  We can see the movement of God, we can experience prayers being answered in supernatural ways at times.  Miracles are not only for the times of the Bible, they are a reality for these times.  God is with us!  He never leaves us and in our daily prayer time He listens, He teaches and He responds.  "God is with us."  Contemplate your own journey and see the reality of God in your own life, that dream that you have been doubting maybe a reality.  

What is God saying to me?  I can do nothing without Your response.

Dear Father, You are with us because we chose to be with You.  The longing in our hearts is the reality of You drawing us closer to the beatific-ate vision.  Thank You Father for the answer to prayers, for the intervention of the Blessed Mother in our lives.  Help us recognize Your call in our lives and may we not waste an opportunity to respond, these become answered prayers and are never lost.  Bless this day Father, keep us safe from all evils, Amen.  

Mary, Our Lady of Success, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/n3t6CdeiN1M

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3

I am amazed at the presence of Mary in our lives if we are living the Word of God.  Mother Mary is never far away, Jesus loves His Mother and speaks of her often in the Word of God.  

Dear Father, what a glorious morning to witness to the Truth that is living amongst us.  I see the influence of Your Holy Family in my life, I see prayers being answered and the guidance of Mary in bringing Your intentions into reality.  Thank You for this walk of faith, to recognize prayers are answered in Your time, not in our wants.  Bless this day, keep us safe and continue our journey into Your heart.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://heroicmen.com/  Some great online resources. 

https://youtu.be/53oCWwdg6xk

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3



Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3

"Let justice descend, you heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the clouds drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let righteousness spring up with them! I, the Lord, have created this."  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45:8‬

In the beginning, "he created them male and female. When they were created, he blessed them and named them humankind."  ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭5:2‬.  God's heart turns to what He intended and there we find Mary and Jesus, the new Adam and the new Eve from of old.  It is Jesus and His righteousness that buds forth as well as Mary's way of holiness that becomes our example.  

They were there in the beginning as were we with the heart of God instilled within us to choose our path in life.  God speaks of what and who He loves.  Slow down this Advent season, get on the path of righteousness, give to the One who is giving to you.  Honor and worship Him, the Creator from the beginning.  You play a role in God's salvation plan, are you following their lead by being holy and righteous.  

What is God saying to me?  Enjoy the Peace.  

Dear Lord God, bring about Your Kingdom as you have intended even if it requires suffering, those that are called will listen and obey, we are all called.  Make us holy and righteous in Your sight, Amen.  

Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us.

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/uYHpJnfy2lQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3



Week 31 - The Journey Advent week 3

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel."  ‭‭Isaias (Isaiah)‬ ‭7:14‬

The promises of God.  How many truths in the past does God have to show us before we believe?  I wonder of the discipline of God to wait for salvation history to play out so we can understand that what He says comes to reality.  Our very existence comes from the mouth of God.  "He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15:5

To some the Christmas season is a nice story, a good fable, to others it is their life, their way of thinking, He defines who they are because of His deep abiding love that is revealed in His Son, the word of God.  When we sit with scripture and listen to the Trinity, our relationship deepens, it grows, it becomes alive, we live the Christmas story, for it is our story.  Don't just read the words this Christmas season, live them.  

What is God saying to me?  I see and you see, your eyes have been opened, in more ways than one.  

Dear Father, I see things I don't want to see but know it is part of the journey.  I see the reality of life without You at the center, I see the evil that has a grasp on humanity and the way that we live.  I see the hope of You Lord, in Your Son and His resurrection.  Give us discipline as You gave it before so we may know Truth.   Continue with the signs, sometimes that is the only way we realize Your true nature of loving us.  Thank You Father for loving us that much that You give us Your Son.  Amen. 

Mary, Virgin Most Pure, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/mt_xfOutfSQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 3



Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 3 

"Rather, we speak God's wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,  ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:7‬

What happens when we sit with scripture and close our eyes in quiet contemplation?  We experience the mystery of God, we get glimpses into what is being said, we get glimpses into the person saying it.  There is something to be said in listening to Paul, who's life was transformed in the blink of an eye.  He speaks of God with the power of God living within. 

God is a mystery, we can not define Him with our feeble brains but He knows just what we need when we sit with Him.  "Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire."  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬.  What is hidden sits in plain sight waiting to be discovered in His Word.  

What is God saying to me?  You can experience Me beyond the intellect where it becomes deep rooted.  I Am a mystery beyond the knowledge of man, why do you think there are 18 years of hidden life?

Dear Lord God Almighty, Your word explodes with a little knowledge.  Each time I read what You are saying builds upon the previous lessons.  I hear Your mother repeating the psalms as she lives her life, I see her letting her son go knowing He has a cross to carry and so does she.  You are The mystery that reveals Himself to those that seek.  Prayers for a friend being challenged to let go and grow, reveal truth to him Father.  You are the King of the universe, reveal the truths of Heaven so we may reside with You and Your Holy Family.  I ask this in Jesus name. Amen. 

Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Pray for us 

St Joesph, Foster Father of Jesus, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/3vnB8xAqzjE

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 3 Gaudete Sunday.



Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 3 Gaudete Sunday. 

"Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more."  ‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3:14-15

A mother's Joy.  Can you imagine the Virgin Mary being with child, the Son of God.  The emotions and feelings she was experiencing must have been amazing.  As you read the above verses think about them from Mary's perspective.  She knew that God was coming into the world, she knew why God was coming and the Joy she was feeling came with the knowledge of God and His mysteries.  

"Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:6‬.  As we prepare for the coming of Christ, Journey with Mary, see what she seen, know what she knows and like her be a faithful servant for the Father.  Life isn't always filled with joy, we will suffer pains along the way but knowing that it is for God, know that real joy comes from serving Christ even in the tribulations of life.  

Happy Gaudete Sunday, and the third week of Advent.  

What is God saying to me?  Knowing Scripture is knowing Me, living them is experiencing Me. 

Dear Father, thank You for the blessing of the mother of Your Son, thank You for allowing us to experience a mother's joy, from seeing things from her perspective.  Thank You Lord for being witness to the coming of Christ in those that are coming home, for being able to be part of that journey.  Special prayers Lord for a friend that is on a journey, that will lead him home, You are merciful God and know the plights we each face in life.  Bless this day Father, fill our hearts with the joy that Mary experienced and heal those in need of healing.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/uSMiJzkjI8Y

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 2



Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 2

 "Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself. Then we shall not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name."  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭80:17-18‬

Who sits at the right hand of God, the One who does His will.  Who sits at the right hand of Jesus, (Mary) the one who does the Fathers will.  We are in a time of preparation, of preparing ourselves for the coming Christ.  In the busyness of life, where does your help come from?  Where do you turn first to be strengthened?

In our prayers lives, hopefully you have one, we learn to trust in God, we are strengthened by Him, His words says so.  I have this image of Mary walking with her Son, as she suffers a mother's agony she also knows that God is with her, she knows where her strength is at. 

Daily prayer, quiet contemplation with the word of God., opening ourselves up to be taught is an exercise in humility and strength of knowing who is in control.  Advent is a time of preparing, as you get ready for Christmas be sure you are preparing Your heart of the coming Messiah, you are not alone.  

What is God saying to me?  Be patient with yourself, it is all part of the journey.  

Dear Father, my heart turns to You each day knowing that in these quiet moments we are speaking with each other.  I see the relationships you have worked with in the past and I see the outcome.  Show us how to pray, how to trust in all that You are doing.  Prayers for all those caught in the storms and those who lives are no more here.  Bless this day, bless Your message and may we each grow stronger thru our daily relationship with You.  Come Lord Jesus, Come. 

Mary, Mother of Mercy, Pray for us 

St Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Y4GABsXchpI

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 30 - The Journey Advent week 2



Week 2 - The Journey Advent week 2

"But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be."  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:29‬

The depth of our Mother's love.  Have you ever pondered the life of Mary?  She being the first one within the New Testament to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit with her fiat, leads the way for us to receive her Son into our hearts.   So we to can become a living tabernacle for God.  

We get to see the depth of her pondering when she goes to visit with Elizabeth with her response to her.  "He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:54-55‬.  She understands what is being asked of her and the importance of the mission her Father has given her.  

In our own lives, in our relationship God reveals himself when we ponder our own events.  To see how the Holy Spirit is working in and thru us.  When we face those areas that are troubling, or causes us concern, do we shrink back or do we move forward with the knowledge that God has prepared us for the next part of the journey.  Have a blessed day and ponder the many mysteries of everyday life and how God is with us thru them all.  

What is God saying to me?  Be at peace.

Dear Lord God, there is much to be learned when we slow down and ponder, when we ponder the gift of life and see the plans that You have for us.  Thank You for being able to watch the happen chances of everyday life and be able to respond to Your call.  Thank You being witness to the movements of Your Holy Spirit.  Bless this Day Father, thank You for the gift of Mary, may we imitate her faithful service to You.   I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Foster Father to the sons of God, pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/5iymSwsmbyY

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 29 - The Journey Advent week 2



Week 29 - The Journey Advent week 2

"The wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom; Like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God."  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35:1-2‬

What was life like before the coming of Christ, when people were waiting on the Messiah?  A wilderness, a dry and parched land, the gates of Heaven were closed.  What was life like after the birth of Christ, like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly.  

My thoughts turn to Mary, she was the vessel that turned a dry parch land into the glory of God.  How can God not speak about the mother of His Son, who would participate in opening the gates of Heaven within scripture.  One of the titles given her is the Gate of Heaven, we read about it in scripture and see it's meaning.  

Are you under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit each day?  Do you take time and receive the gifts that God has prepared for you?  There is an abundance of gifts awaiting us when we read scripture with purpose and consistency.  Open the good book and be filled with the glory and mystery of God.  

What is God saying to me?  A dry and parched land needs its mother.  

Dear Father, I see things I don't want to see but it is the reality of these times.  You know my prayer Father and I know You are faithful, thank You for fulfilling Your promises so we may be filled with Your splendor.   Thank You Lord for a spirit filled weekend, for good times, good memories and for engaging others in Your mission.  Continue to prepare us for the coming of Christ, make us strong in areas we are weak.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Gate of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/FWo3qlqyW1c

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 29 - The Journey Advent week 1



Week 29 - The Journey Advent week 1

"His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'"  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:23‬

"Come share your master's joy.", the words we long to hear from the Master's mouth.  The wedding feast of eternity is by invitation and we accept that invitation each day when we go into the world and do our Father's will, by multiplying the talents He gives us.  

Jesus's first recorded miracle was the wedding feast of Cana with the encouragement of our Blessed mother Mary.  Mary may not be spoken about directly in scripture a lot but God has provided many opportunities for us to see her influence within scripture.  "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there."  ‭‭John‬ ‭2:1‬

One of the talents God gives each of us is cognitive ability, the opportunity to think about His Word.  By not using this talent we are burying it and it will not multiply or even produce any interest if we don't invest our time into it.   At the wedding feast I want to hear these words and I want others to hear them.  "Come share your Master's Joy."  Mary will be present, sitting at His right, her rightful place.  Don't ignore her in this life. 

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, I thank You for the words of encouragement and the insight You provide when sitting still.  Thank You for sharing Your will with us and blessing this day.  Prayers for the events of this day, may it produce the fruit that You desire.  May we be Your faithful servants in what is given each of us to do.  I ask this in Jesus name, amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/xrAdbH28gIg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 29 - The Journey Advent week 1



Week 29 - The Journey Advent week 1

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  ‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬

The Fathers love.  "I am the way", words spoken by Jesus.  In this advent season as you journey with Christ contemplate His way.  It has many meanings as we journey thru this world, sometimes "the way" is of our own doing and we are not listening to God.  It is God who leads us on "the way", he allows those side paths just don't get lost on them.  

What role does Mary play in this verses?  Some would say none because she isn't relevant in God's word, just listen to what they say about the Mother of God.  It was God who chose Mary, to give Jesus flesh and blood.  It was God and Mary's acceptance that allowed for Mary to be "the way" He enters the world.  If Jesus is "the way", and Mary is obedient to God's will by being His temple for a period of time, it stands to reason that she is within this bible verse.  She is a part of "the way" for Jesus, without Mary, there is no way.  

God's plan can not be thwarted and it is our acceptance of His will that leads to truth.  Take His hand and walk with Him, He is the way and Mary points to Him.  God bless! 

What is God saying to me?  I know your heart 

Dear Father God, my prayer is for those souls who are lost on "the way", I pray I am on "the way".   I thank You for listening to me this morning and for leading me in this journey with Mary, the love You have for her is pure.  Give us that same love in our own lives for the Mother of Jesus who is the way and leads us by example.  Prayers for a family grieving the loss of a father, a husband and a brother.  May he Rest In Peace and may Perpetual Light shine upon him.  I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.  

Mary, Queen f Peace, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/_nv7KlvI3aQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 29 - The Journey Week 1 of Adent



Week 29 - The Journey Week 1 of Adent

"He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.""  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:54-55‬

A Mother's Love.  The canticle of Mary begins on Luke 1:46-55.  These words were coming from a 14 year old girl (approximate age).  The depth of her love for God just didn't occur overnight, it was her years of knowledge infused with blessing of the Holy Trinity.  Her heart is one with God, she wanted what He wanted.   "On that day it will be said: "Indeed, this is our God; we looked to him, and he saved us! This is the Lord to whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"   Isaiah‬ ‭25:9

She knew God the Father, she was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, is His temple and gave her life to the Son of God.  She brings the Trinity to life in the flesh.  Listen to her heart in the canticle, this isn't an aged women with life experiences.  This is a young woman fulfilling God's mission for humanity and she knew His purpose for Him coming down.  

We are all called to bring Jesus in the flesh into the world.  Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b.  Mary's faith brings about salvation, our faith brings about salvation, it isn't to be hidden, it is to be given away.  This is a time of preparation, a time for hope.  Live the love you have for God, it shows.

What is God saying to me?  Never miss an opportunity to share My Love, just as Mary lived a life of purpose so should you.   

Dear Father, there is a depth to loving You in scripture, there is a realization of the importance of knowing You in the scripture.  You show us these things when we sit and listen, we see Your plan for our lives unfold in front of us as we walk in unison.  We also see what happens when we don't.  Prayers for a friend in the hospital, give him healing Lord as only You can.  Thank You Jesus for choosing Mary as our spiritual mother, without her the Word would not come alive, especially her heart.  Bless this day Lord, it is in Your hands, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/u9VL7AhXBKY

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b