Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The holy season of Advent begins the new liturgical year by remembering Our Lord’s First Coming as a babe in Bethlehem and by preparing us for His Second Coming in glory when Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead. The Season reminds us to prepare for the just judgment we will receive at the end of our lives or at Christ’s Second Coming, whichever comes first. Is it not, then, antithetical to spend Advent in drunkenness, overeating, and partying?
When the Lord returns to judge, He wants us to be ready to receive Him—sober and alert. Advent is a short Season that should be marked by prayer, penance, and expectation. The Christmas Season is a time of celebration that our Lord is come, Emmanuel, God-with-us. We rejoice that He is already here in the Most Holy Eucharist, and we do penance as we wait in joyful hope for His Second Coming when He will render each his due.
Thank God that He has given us more time to prepare for His Second Coming. But His gift of time is running out. Don’t be a fool who misses out on the most expected day of all time. Jesus Christ will come again in glory and power. Are we ready for the day of the Lord?
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 