St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, encourages the faithful to rejoice in the Lord, always. This means we rejoice in the Lord even when we are struggling to cooperate with God’s grace. We rejoice even when we experience difficulty in making straight crooked paths. We rejoice even in we face the truth of our sinfulness. We rejoice even when we fall short of realizing our call and purpose. We rejoice not in the sin and weakness, but because His mercy endures forever, because the Lord will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, because where sin and weakness abound, His grace abounds all the more.  

 

It is worth noting that St. Luke provides specific details as to political and religious climate of the period. Our Saviour – God, really and truly enters into our human history in flesh and blood, at a very concrete moment in time. This same Lord desires to dwell with each of us, to be really, truly, intimately, and personally united with you and me, without exception. Only He can bring the mountains low, fill the valleys, and make crooked paths straight.

With all the premature hustle and bustle of businesses, media, entertainment and people in general already in the Christmas spirit, Advent offers us the chance to slow down, set aside the noise and distractions, and become attune to the subtle voice of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is ready to assist us, if we let Him. Who knows, maybe our demeanour and example will peak the interest of others and become an opportunity for us to lovingly witness to them in response.   

 

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good.

100 Bells – Remembrance Day

On November 11, at the going down of the sun, communities across Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with the ringing of 100 bells. The ringing of bells emulates the moment in 1918 when church bells across Europe tolled as four years of war had come to an end.

To engage youth in this significant initiative, children with the help of schools and youth organizations, are encouraged to research, locate and place flags on the graves of Canadian Veterans of the Great War.

Legion Branches and communities will host commemorative ceremonies and special activities to help Canada Remember. At sunset on November 11, the bells will ring at Parliament Hill, city halls, places of worship, military bases, Naval vessels and at ceremonies across the country to honour Canada’s Veterans and commemorate the end of the First World War.

When you hear the bells toll on November 11,  take a moment to pause and remember all those who served and sacrificed. (www.legion.ca)