Reflecting with the “O Antiphons” From www.usccb.org: The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Thei...

We’ve come to the last “moment” of waiting for our guest! Having renewed our sight in order to see well the signs of the times, having reinforced the foundation on which we base our life, and having reflected on how we can give time to others…one a quick glance at ourselves for the last little touches and we’re there! With our most welcoming smile, let us open the door: our guest has arrived!The Gospel of the fourth week of Advent (Luke 1:39-45)Mary set outand trav...

What is Advent like in the convent? …is not a question that anyone has ever asked me, now that I think about it. But some of you might be curious! So let me share a few of the hallmarks of Advent in a Daughters of St. Paul convent.

It’s the third week of Advent! The cleaning continues, even though by now the big jobs are done and finally, along with the clean smell of windows and floors scrubbed until they shine, we can begin to smell something delicious in their air. And we begin to feel a desire to share and to communicate…without our even knowing it, a smile appears on our faces: our guest is near!Gospel of the Third Week of AdventLuke 3:10-18The crowds asked John the Baptist,“What should we do?&rdquo...

It’s the second week of Advent! We’ve cleaned the “windows,” that is, we’ve cleared a way for our eyes to see what is truly necessary for our life; now it’s time to clean the “floors,” which are the base, the foundation of our life, that support our whole house.Gospel of the Second Sunday of AdventIn the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,and his brother Philip ...

Advent is a privileged time for growing closer to Jesus, and for placing your discernment in his hands. Beginning today, and for each of the four weeks of Advent, we invite you to join us for a weekly “appointment” online. Each Sunday you will find a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, inviting you to consider these three points: What will you take away that you do not need? What will you prepare? And what will you say to Jesus, the awaited Guest?