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“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to announce a year of favor from the Lord.”

(Isaiah 61:1-2)

It’s already the third Sunday of Advent, and we are almost home.  Yet I like to think of December 25 as less of a fixed date than a “continuum of the spirit”—a gift that is meant to help us build the Kingdom of God on earth, every day, all of the time.

We know that God is constantly at work in our lives if we just let the spirit of the Christ Child in.  With the strength of his divine presence, we are called by God to do things as Isaiah says:  to heal the brokenhearted, to comfort the sick and dying, and to celebrate all that is good and life-giving in one another.  This is the heart and soul of mission:  sharing the joy of our faith through acts of kindness, and inviting others to join us in the celebration of our faith.

Is there someone you can reach out to now as you prepare for Christmas Day?  We have all had a difficult year.  Why not be the one to fulfill the promise of the prophet who brings good tidings.  I promise you that when you release someone’s pain or anxiety you will find peace, too.

Friend, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”  As Christmas Day approaches, let’s remember that light always pierces the darkness. The third candle of Advent reminds us convincingly that we can overcome adversity and loss by placing our trust in God and our faith in one another.  Think of the light we share this day as a symbol of goodness, grace, and hope.  I don’t know of a better way to approach Christmas Day and the arrival of our Christ Child.  Be hopeful.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

Prayer for 2nd Sunday

Come, Lord Jesus,

into our hearts purified by

Your grace and love.

Make straight the paths

of righteousness and peace

that You might enter our hearts,

our homes, and our world

with Your saving power.

May we share the joy of Your coming

by comforting those who mourn,

healing the broken hearted,

proclaiming Your Good News to the poor

by sharing our goods, our faith,

and our time.

Let Your light shine in our darkness

and lead all to Your manger bed

where God is found in human form,

in weakness, small, and humble.

Give all people hope

as our guiding light

that we might walk in truth

and peace all the days of our life.

Amen.

Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.