Tree talk

2nd Sunday Advent, A

The Christmas tree is an important symbol during this time of year. In the Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent, we find trees beings used as images in both the first reading and the Gospel (Isa 11:1-10; Mat 3:1-12). This "tree imagery" communicates the way that God brings new life from seemingly helpless situations as well as how we sometimes need pruning before God's goodness can flourish.

Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Being aware of God everyday (1st Sunday Advent)

1st Sunday Advent, year A | Mt 24:37-44

God is always present in our lives, blessing us. However, we sometimes miss God's presence. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that his arrival in our lives is similar to the time of Noah. Advent is a time to train our "spiritual eyes" to recognize the presence of God in our lives.

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It’s the end of the world and I feel fine (33 Sunday OT, C)

33 Sunday OT, Year C

Luke 21:5-19

It is strange to hear Jesus speak about the end of the world in the Gospel today (Luke 21:5-19). Although foreign to us, this "apocalyptic" way of speaking is meant to challenge as well as console us. The world as we know it is ending, but Jesus is bringing a better one into existence.

James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jerusalem Jerusalem 

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