Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet
Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet
December 4, 2011Second Sunday of AdventA voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way ofthe Lord, make straight his paths.” Mk. 1:3Imagine this: late night, driving home, getting tired, GPS broken,dark road, driving rain, gas tank nearing empty, and now yourheadlights reflect off a sign in the distance. DANGER: windingroad ahead. Surely, we have all had moments like this when weare enveloped by our worst nightmare. At that instant of overwhelmingfear, can’t you hear your inner self crying out: makestraight my path!Wouldn’t it be great to see a mini-miracle in that moment: “herecomes with power the Lord God:” “like a shepherd…He gathers…andHe leads with care.” Maybe it’s an alternate route withfewer twists and turns; maybe it’s a phone call from a friend tocalm your nerves; maybe the rain stops, and you recognize a familiarlandmark assuring you that your destination is closer than realizedin your panic. Maybe it is the voice of God speaking tenderly:“comfort!”The psalmist reminds us that the Lord is kind, offering a uniquelycrafted gift to each of one of us. If the Lord is near, then we mayfind peace. If the Lord is watching, then we might find justice,kindness, and truth. If the Lord is bountiful, then we might findour land filled with good things and right paths. The experience ofGod weaves itself into the crooked paths of our daily living. Godcalls each of us, “beloved,” and invites us to share in His promiseof a new heaven and a new earth.Lord, my day is filled with moments which are both great and small in Youreyes and the eyes of the world. Help me to trust that You are watching out forme. Send Your messengers into my life so that I might learn and understandhow Your promise is woven into these ordinary and extraordinary moments.Baptize my day, my path, with the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.Sister Ann Heath, IHMVice President For Academic Affairs
December 5, 2011Second Monday of AdventWhen Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”Luke 5:20The New Testament tells us of the many miracles performed byJesus Christ during his time on earth. It speaks of our Lord andSavior healing the sick and the lame, turning water to wine, feedingthe many with only a few fish and loaves of bread, and raising thedead to new life. All He asked from them was to believe and havefaith.Many asked then and many still ask now, “How is that possible?”or even boldly state “It is not possible.” Yet as faithful followers ofChrist, we know that through Him all things are possible. Longbefore Jesus’ time on our earth, Isaiah prophesied that God wouldcome to save us and “Then will the eyes of the blind beopened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leaplike a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gushforth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” (Is 35:5-7) Asyou look at the world around you this Advent Season, be mindfulof the miracles that you see and hear each day and be confidentthat the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit can do all that Isaiahprophesied and more. Through the Trinity all things are possible.Heavenly Father, You call us to be Your faithful people. Send Your Spiritupon us this Advent Season as we prepare to the remember the coming of YourSon and our Savior, Jesus Christ so that we may be an example of our Christianfaith to all we meet here at Immaculata and beyond. In Jesus’ name wepray, Amen.Bridget Haines-FrankClass of 1996Assistant Dean of Students
- Page 6: November 30, 2011First Wednesday of
- Page 12 and 13: Jesus said to his disciples: "What
- Page 14 and 15: And Mary said, “Behold, I am the
- Page 16 and 17: December 10, 2011Second Saturday of
- Page 18 and 19: December 12, 2011Feast of Our lady
- Page 20 and 21: “I am the Lord, there is no other
- Page 22 and 23: December 16, 2011Third Friday of Ad
- Page 24 and 25: December 18, 2011Fourth Sunday of A
- Page 26: December 20, 2011Fourth Tuesday of
- Page 30 and 31: December 24Fourth Saturday of Adven
- Page 32: Office of Mission and Ministry&Depa
December 4, 2011Second Sunday of <strong>Advent</strong>A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way ofthe Lord, make straight his paths.” Mk. 1:3Imagine this: late night, driving home, getting tired, GPS broken,dark road, driving rain, gas tank nearing empty, and now yourheadlights reflect off a sign in the distance. DANGER: windingroad ahead. Surely, we have all had moments like this when weare enveloped by our worst nightmare. At that instant of overwhelmingfear, can’t you hear your inner self crying out: makestraight my path!Wouldn’t it be great to see a mini-miracle in that moment: “herecomes with power the Lord God:” “like a shepherd…He gathers…andHe leads with care.” Maybe it’s an alternate route withfewer twists and turns; maybe it’s a phone call from a friend tocalm your nerves; maybe the rain stops, and you recognize a familiarlandmark assuring you that your destination is closer than realizedin your panic. Maybe it is the voice of God speaking tenderly:“comfort!”The psalmist reminds us that the Lord is kind, offering a uniquelycrafted gift to each of one of us. If the Lord is near, then we mayfind peace. If the Lord is watching, then we might find justice,kindness, and truth. If the Lord is bountiful, then we might findour land filled with good things and right paths. The experience ofGod weaves itself into the crooked paths of our daily living. Godcalls each of us, “beloved,” and invites us to share in His promiseof a new heaven and a new earth.Lord, my day is filled with moments which are both great and small in Youreyes and the eyes of the world. Help me to trust that You are watching out forme. Send Your messengers into my life so that I might learn and understandhow Your promise is woven into these ordinary and extraordinary moments.Baptize my day, my path, with the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.Sister Ann Heath, IHMVice President For Academic Affairs
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