St. Augustines Advent Calendar 2025

  The Feast of St. Francis Xavier   Is 25:6-9  Ps 23  Mt 15:29-39  or  Is 42:1-4  Ps 96  Lk 10:1-9, 17-20 All of today’s readings include a meal, a bounteous meal, sometimes in the most unlikely of circumstances.    Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine —  the best of meats and the finest of wines.   Rich food for all people. ALL PEOPLE. Those who are more comfortable at home, those who can’t leave their home, those who love a crowd, those who have a difficult relationship with food, those who have dietary restrictions, those who feel that they don’t deserve the best and the finest.   Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.   I am comforted in Psalm 23, knowing that not only does the Lord lead, guide, and walks with me, BUT he has already gone ahead to prepar...

  Isaiah's Hope by Daphne Rae     Is 11:1-10   Ps 72:1-8   Lk 10:21-24 I have read J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings many times in my life. I find them beautiful in their vivid descriptions of an ancient, mythical world (Middle Earth) where evil lurks, good triumphs, and salvation is ultimately brought about by a small person who arises out of a distant, mainly unknown area. Tolkien, a devout Roman Catholic who was influential in C. S. Lewis’ journey to faith in Christ, must have known the impact his books would have on society as they draw many parallels to the Christian story. They appeal to people all over the globe because at their core is what everyone truly desires: someone to deliver them from sorrow and bring them comfort and joy. Sadly, there are also those who are uncomfortable with Tolkien. A dear, non-Christian friend and academic colleague once commented to me that she had never read Tolkien’s books because they sou...

  Dt 30:11-14 or Rom 10:8 -18  Ps 19:1-6  Mt 4:18-22   The Feast of Saint Andrew Our present world has not heard Jesus’ message and cannot seem to find the hope we have in Christ.  As we light our advent candles this year may we bring the Light of Christ into the world to dispel the darkness by sharing his love.  Let us sift through the noise and chaos that overwhelms us, to discern the true song of the angels, shepherds, wise men and Christ child that call to us.     This morning as I was preparing to write my reflection, the Christmas song, Santa Claus is Coming to Town played. My mind cleared as I paused thinking the real Christmas song should be Jesus Christ is coming to you .  All the hype and preparation for a good Christmas is evident all around us, let us stop and prepare to greet Him in our lives today.  He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good.  Yes, Jesus kn...