Advents Feria

Friends in Christ,

First of all, the image is of St.Stephens Anglican Catholic Church in Athens, TX, USA.

Matthew 11:16-19

The scripture readings selected by the Church for today reiterate a fact that we have heard over and over, but apparently don’t always fully grasp and that is that the Lord has provided sufficient instruction on what we must do in order to find true prosperity and everlasting happiness.Why is it then, that we don’t listen to the loving direction God provides, or see how time and time again faithlessness leads us into disaster? It seems so simple to do what God commands. Yet sin has so twisted us that doing what was intended for our salvation seems instead an impossible and oppressive burden.Only with God’s help and our determination to let Him help us, can we overcome the crippling mutations that sin has wreaked in us and begin as though a new creation to follow His loving lead.In this great season of grace, let us resolve to avail ourselves of God’s help by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It will make our “crooked ways straight”; it will level out our rough spots and fill in all the gaping holes that sin has carved out of our once-whole and loving hearts. It will help us to more fully and more genuinely “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!”

Advents Blessings,

Ed Bakker