Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Jesus warns us to stay awake and to be prepared for His second coming. As in the days of Noah, people went about their lives and were unprepared for the flood that destroyed humanity except for the eight people in the ark. Jesus tells us that we could be taken at any moment.
Being in the state of grace is how we can always be prepared to meet the Lord. If we neglect our spiritual life by not going to Confession regularly, we risk leaving our souls unprotected for the day of the Lord. God is giving us ample warning to prepare for the day of reckoning. Therefore, stay awake spiritually by keeping your soul in the state of grace through frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance.
The Season of Advent is given to us to prepare our souls to meet God, not to celebrate by excessive shopping, eating, and drinking. Pray more, go to Confession, receive the Holy Eucharist in the state of grace. We do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come (cf. Mt. 24:42-44). Therefore, stay awake!
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 