Resources

Lots to share.  As I sat thinking of how I would prepare myself for Christmas during this Advent season, I realized that next Sunday, December 6, marks the beginning of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy.  Pope Francis has declared the coming liturgical year a year of mercy as a reminder to us “that God is waiting for us with open arms, just like the father of the prodigal son.” So much to think about, so much to prepare for.  I decided today would be a good day to share some of the resources I found that could help us better prepare spiritually for the coming season and year. You don’t have to worry, they don’t take up too much time.  If you have any resources you’d like to share, please feel free to comment.

Advent

• Sign up for daily reflections by Bishop Robert Barron – amazing writer and speaker.  Great homilies!  Click here to sign up for Advent reflections.  The full website has many more resources you may want to check out, from Sunday homilies to movies/documentaries, books, study programs.  Fr. Barron is truly a gift from God!  In addition to getting his Advent reflections, I like to prepare myself for Sunday mass by doing the readings beforehand, practicing lectio divina and then listening to his homily.  Nice to see the differences and similarities in thought and how God speaks to us.  Maybe that’s a practice you can adopt for Advent, if you don’t do it already.  Click here for the full website.

• 5 minute bible study – Our Daily Bread ministries has a website dedicated to bible study.  It takes just 5 minutes a day.  I received such positive feedback when I posted the 3 minute retreat that I figured 5 minute bible study would be a good thing to post and encourage bible study.  The ministry is a non-denominational non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating the Word of God.  Click here if you’re interested in accessing the daily devotional/bible study.  Something to do to stretch yourself beyond your daily routine during this special season.

Year of Mercy

Click here for resources and ideas on how to embrace and prepare for the coming liturgical year.

In addition to all the things we can do for our own personal growth, I would challenge us all to step outside our comfort zone to get involved in parish ministry – one that already exists or start a new one – something you’re passionate about.  Maybe even do something outside the church that helps spread the Word and show God’s mercy.  I know, I know – no time, no gifts/talents, blah, blah, blah!  I leave you with these two things to ponder:  to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48) and God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called (a quote I read in my church bulletin)!  God bless you , I pray your week got off to a great start!