An attitude of the heart

December 5, 2019

226. We are speaking of an attitude of the heart, one which approaches life with serene attentiveness, which is capable of being fully present to someone without thinking of what comes next, which accepts each moment as a gift from God to be lived to the full. Jesus taught us this attitude when he invited us to contemplate the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, or when seeing the rich young man and knowing his restlessness, “he looked at him with love” (Mk 10:21). He was completely present to everyone and to everything, and in this way he showed us the way to overcome that unhealthy anxiety which makes us superficial, aggressive and compulsive consumers.

Source : Laudato Si'

Msgr. Michael Souckar

St. Andrew Church

Blessed Virgin Mary and Advent

Dear Parishioners of Saint Andrew:

One of the most important figures during the season of Advent is the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Because December 8th the date of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on a Sunday in Advent, the observance of the feast has been transferred to Monday, December 9th. However, the obligation to participate in Mass is not transferred with the feast. Therefore, there is no obligation to attend Mass on the feast this year.

As you know the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the United States of America. Given the many current political uncertainties, it is important for us to ask Our Lady’s prayerful intercession for peace, unity and harmony in our nation. The Immaculate Conception is also the patroness of Paraguay, Nicaragua and many other nations. This week we also observe the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of Mexico. In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II declared Our Lady of Guadalupe to be Empress of America, including North, South and Central America as well as the Caribbean. For many of our parishioners born in other countries, the Blessed Mother is also the patroness of their native land.

Devotion to the Blessed Mother has always been encouraged by the Church as a way of drawing closer to Jesus Christ, her Divine Son and Savior of the world. The Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches as well as some Anglicans hold the Blessed Mother in highest esteem. Unfortunately, some non-Catholic Christians misunderstands our devotion to the Blessed Mother and a few even wrongly accuse us of idolatry. Of course, we only worship God Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we do not worship Mary.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship” (cf., arts. 971-975). We venerate her memory and ask her intercession before the Lord on our behalf. As a simple maiden in Nazareth, Mary received with joy the message of the Archangel Gabriel who told her that she was “highly favored” and chosen by God to be the mother of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Mary’s response in faith has always served as a model of Christian discipleship: “Behold I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1: 38). Like Mary, during this Advent season we are invited to welcome the Word of God into our hearts, to receive that word with joy and to place our lives at the service of Almighty God. Mary is a model of the entire Church because it is the mission of the Church to offer Jesus Christ to the world.

During these days of preparation for Christmas, I encourage all our parishioners and especially our families to reflect on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in your spiritual life. Under whatever title, let her inspire you to trust in the Providence of God and to receive the Gospel of salvation with joy so as to share that Good News with others who are in need of God’s love. May the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary assist all of us this Advent season to be prepared to welcome the Lord of Life. May her prayers also aid those who have fallen away from their practice of the Catholic faith to come home to the Church for Christmas.

With the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary to assist you, may the Lord bless you and your families with His love!

Monsignor Michael A. Souckar
Pastor