Today's Readings

Patience is deeply rooted within our psyche. Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus which translates to arrival. The human mind and body are constantly in a state of flux; this became clearly evident through the COVID-19 pandemic. Disease, divisiveness, and despair transformed our societal norms and challenged everyone’s patience. We all waited for the arrival of normalcy and peace. This expectation is neither sustainable or realistic. Patience is the solution. 

Patience is based in impermanence and insignificance. As the Pslam clearly echos, “To you, Oh Lord, I lift my soul.” The answer to worldly suffering is an unworldly Figure. Peace is found in patience and patience is found in God. Patience does not equate to perpetual happiness. It enables a person to find a place of ease. God instills us with strength to navigate with ease. When difficult situations seem easier it’s due to increased strength, not reduced difficulty. 

Spiritual transformation is difficult. During each Advent, we prepare ourselves for rebirth. Patience develops from acknowledging and relinquishing control; although, this does not mean forgoing responsibility. A metanoia, transformation of the soul, begins with intention and becomes apparent when we least expect it. St. Ignatius of Loyola is an ideal example of a transformative experience. With patience, God illuminated his path which was very different than he intended. 

As we await the coming of Jesus, we must remember to practice patience. Patience allows for space within our minds and hearts; the beatific space created is where God sits and hopefully lives. Look up at the stars knowing that your Guide is always with you. 
 

Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Tom Holtman is a life long parishioner of St. Stephen Church. He also attended St. Stephen School. Tom earned his business degrees from The University of Scranton (Catholic/Jesuit). He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council.

Today's Readings

There has been, and will always be differences among the human race as long as we roam the earth.  The Greeks vs. the Trojans, the American Revolutionaries  vs. the British, the North vs. the South, the Palestinians vs. the Israelis, the Montagues and the Capulets.  The list goes on, and on.  Since ancient times there have been nation states, who were united by their religions, culture and myths.  Individual civilizations often thought that their way of life was superior to others.  These ethnocentric sentiments often led to warfare.   In Isaiah 2:1-5 the message is that those who share a common faith and walk in the way of the lord will no longer have to settle disputes.  Those who follow the Lord up the mountain, no matter what race, or creed will achieve salvation.

In Matthew 8:5-11 Jesus entered Capernaum and was approached by a centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant.  Jesus offered to travel to the centurion’s house, but the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”  When Jesus hears this he reveals to his disciples that this man has the most faith out of anyone in Israel.  The significance lies in that the gentile recognizes Jesus’s faith and authority, and for that he will be rewarded in heaven.  

As we say the communion rite just before we are to receive, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed,” I feel a sense of peace and an urge to return to the heart of what it means to be Christian. I am reminded of the supremacy of God when I admit my unworthiness to be in his presence.

The essence lies in that faith in the Lord will gain you eternal salvation.  It does not matter what nation you are from, it does not matter what race you may be; what matters is your faith in Christ so remember that as you prepare for His coming during this advent season.  
 

Blessing:

May God give you 
For every storm a rainbow,
For every tear a smile,
For every care a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,
A Faithful Friend to share,
For every sigh a sweet song,
And an answer to every 
PRAYER

Ryan Candia is a Warwick Valley HS Social Studies Teacher
and a St. Stephen’s Parishioner.

Today's Readings

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples…For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain (Isaiah 25:6,10).
 
If we were to look for the word “mountain” in a biblical concordance, we would see it mentioned throughout Scripture well over one hundred times.  There are many reasons why this is so.  Mountains display the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. Symbolically speaking, mountain tops are places for encountering God.  People might hope to have a mystical meeting with God by building and/or visiting temples, shrines, and altars on high peaks.  We may even consider vacations or special family celebrations “mountain top experiences.”
 
Let us consider several of the more familiar Bible stories that involved mountains. In Exodus 3, Moses encountered God in the Burning Bush on Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. Horeb means “solitude.” Here, on this holy ground, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery.  Fast forward to Exodus 19.  God and Moses enter into a covenant relationship on Mount Sinai, that covenant being the Ten Commandments.
 
In the New Testament, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain [Mount Tabor] apart by themselves [solitude].  And he was transfigured before them (Mark 9:2).  In the previous chapter of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus miraculously fed four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. There were seven baskets of fragments leftover.  God cannot be outdone in generosity!  Isaiah’s prophecy has come to fruition:  The Lord of hosts has provided for all peoples.  
 
Isaiah also says, On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples (Isaiah 25:7).  When Jesus was crucified and died on Mount Calvary, the evangelist Matthew writes: The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51).  The meaning of the scene may be that now, because of Jesus’ death, all people have access to the presence of God.  
 
Although mountain climbing may be an exhilarating experience, we do not have to physically climb a mountain to encounter God.  We can walk outdoors on a flat path.  We can kneel in church, or sit on a chair in a corner of a room.  Because God is everywhere, we can be close to him wherever we are.  This is prayer, conversation with God.  So let us pray with the psalmist:  

[Lord God] Send your light and your fidelity that they may be my guide. 
Let them bring me to your holy mountain, 
to the place of your dwelling (Psalm 43:3).

Joann MacDougall been a parishioner at St. Stephen’s Parish for 25 years. She is also a lector.  Because she  has a master’s degree in religious studies with a Scripture concentration, she has taught Scripture on the college level, and has presented Bible studies at the parish.  

Today's Readings
 

Today’s reading from Matthew 7:21, 24-27 tells us that if you build your house on rock, that even when troubles come, your house will stand firm... It’s one of the Gospels that we hear often and is easy to visualize.   As I started thinking about what I would say, an incident came to mind that I will share.

Mom is 91, still living at home and managing pretty well. As she’s aged our roles have flipped and I am handling more of the big stuff, while she takes care of the everyday.  Once a fashionista, with new outfits and styles, she’s now taken to wearing old worn-out comfy clothes. Last week, I arrived for a visit to find her wearing an especially ‘comfortable’ outfit. I immediately informed her that she couldn’t go out with that on and let’s go find something in one of her closets. Reluctantly, she joined me in her bedroom as I was rifling through her closet. In her quiet way, she said,” I don’t see what the problem is. I’m 91. I just want to be comfortable. No one cares what I wear.” It was at about that time; I came upon an old sweater with rips on the sleeve. “Do you really need this?” I demanded, “I’ve never seen you wear this!” 

She looked at me, then at the sweater. Her face was kind and patient as she spoke (like addressing a child) “Well, I do like that sweater. It was your fathers and every night before going to bed, I kneel down to say my prayers. Sometimes it’s chilly in my bedroom, so I drape dad’s sweater over my shoulders.  I really do like that sweater. It reminds me of dad. 

I stopped. I froze in place. Here I am bulldozing through her closet thinking that somehow my taking charge of her clothes and closet would be helpful.  Her house has been built on a solid foundation. She quietly goes about her days now, knowing what matters… not the clothes she wears but the relationships she’s built her life upon.

During this advent, may we also be reminded of the reason for this season and strive to build a foundation that can support us through life’s many seasons.

Lord, help me to build a strong foundation on you.
 

Cathy Casse and her husband, Steve, are long time parishioners of St. Stephen’s.

Today's Readings

When I was a teenager, I believed God’s love was finite. I was convinced that there was a limited amount to go around. I firmly believed that if I was lucky enough to have certain blessings in my life, that meant I couldn’t have others. It was only fair, you see, because if my friend had something I didn’t have, it was because I had something they didn’t. There was balance and order, in God’s eyes.

But we all know God’s love doesn’t work that way. God’s love is INFINITE, despite what my teenage self, stuck in a world of comparisons, thought. Despite my belief that everything had to be “fair,” I know now that that’s not the case.

I think these former beliefs are why the final passage from today’s Gospel struck me so much: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

I did nothing to earn the gifts God has given me in my life – my husband, my two beautiful sons, a loving family, good health, etc. … And he has asked nothing of me in return. It’s not a matter of fairness or what I do and don’t “deserve.”

So, during this season of gift giving, I hope we can all remember this final passage as we tick through our Christmas preparation to-do lists. It’s not about who deserves gifts from us, but about how we can give more of ourselves, time, energy, talent, treasure, and, of course, love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. How can we give of ourselves as God does this Advent?

Anna (Bisaro) Jones is a former parishioner of St. Stephen’s who returns to the church for Mass when visiting mom, or as her kids say, Bwamma. Anna works as a writer in Baltimore, Maryland.

Today's Readings

In today’s Gospel we hear about “A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths…and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” That voice was the voice of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. The prophet Isaiah prophesized about him. In the “Canticle of Zechariah” we read, “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give His people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins…”

John had a huge task in front of him. He had to convince people to repent of their sins and to “wash them away” with Baptism. He had to make them understand that someone great was coming to them and that someone was the Messiah. They needed to get ready for Him by turning away from their sins, believing in His forgiveness and living their lives differently.

Do we? Do we live our lives differently from others so that people know we’re Christians? Do we see Jesus in others, but more importantly, do others see Jesus in us? And this is a hard one for a lot of us, do we really believe in the mercy and forgiveness of Our Lord? These are good questions to ask ourselves as we prepare for Jesus this Christmas.

Lent is known for repentance and sacrifice, but did you know that Advent is too? I think we hear today’s Gospel at the beginning of Advent for a reason; so we understand that it’s time to look inside ourselves and ready our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. Stepping back from the hustle and bustle of the season gives us time to reflect on the lives we’re living and gives us more time to share our talents and time with those in need. 

Advent is a time for a re-awakening of our souls in joyful anticipation for the birth of Jesus. So many of us miss the point of Advent because we’re so overwhelmed by everything we think we need to do to before Christmas. We’re so consumed by “getting ready for Christmas” that we forget to get ourselves ready for Christ.

This Advent, may we all prepare the way of the Lord by preparing ourselves for Him.

O Come O Come Emmanuel!

Donna Washio is a part-time secretary at St. Stephen Church and has lived in Warwick with her husband Steve and daughter Kira for almost 23 years.

Today's Readings

The readings today continue to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies regarding the Messiah. The reading from Isaiah promises what would be regarded as impossible: that the desert will bloom and even more, be filled with an abundance of water. This would probably have been understood as something that only God could do, to transcend what is possible according to the laws of nature. 
The Gospel selection presents a similar situation. Not only is there a reference to the lame being healed, but explicitly of issue is the sole prerogative of God to forgive sins. Jesus here does both: he forgives sins and heals the lame, thus situating himself squarely within Isaiah's prophecies as the Messiah, Emmanuel, God among us.

Have you ever stopped to consider the relationship between the man who was healed and those who lowered him down through the roof? The Gospel does not relate any details to us, but perhaps it is not too much to believe that they knew each other. Probably strangers would not have done this. Imagine the lame man's disillusionment when he realizes that the crowd is too dense. Perhaps they were family, or maybe friends, or maybe knew each other from the local area. Their faith is clear: they took apart a roof to get this man whom they obviously cared about in front of Jesus. Imagine them pledging to him, "We're going to get you to Jesus." They believed he could do something for him, and they were not going to let convention or convenience stop them from seizing the opportunity.

Can you be that friend for someone this Advent? This Christmas season? This coming year? Can you have faith great enough to inspire you to tear out obstacles to get someone in need to Jesus? Don't be afraid to team with others. It makes you braver. A final note might help us with the courage: both the lame man and his collaborators are rewarded for their faith. "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Trusting that God's superabundant grace can perfect our imperfect efforts, let us pray this Advent to recognize and seize any opportunity to bring others into the presence of Jesus.
 

Andrew Olesh is married to Cristina and the father of Benedetto (2) and Aurelio (6), who is in the 2022 Communion class at St. Stephen's.

Today's Readings

The season of Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is the time to celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world. It’s a time of doing good deeds and lifting the spirits of those worn down.

In the readings of the day, the Lord says to comfort his people. One of my earliest memories of seeking God’s comfort was when I was nine years old and moving from one town to another. I felt a strong connection with the house I was living in and didn’t have the heart to move. Being in the state of moving from one town to another, I
also had homework from school most nights which added more stress. In this stressful circumstance I started to seek God’s comfort. It is a tradition that My Mom and I pray every night before bed. So I prayed for God to help me adjust to the change and give
me comfort.

One fine night God came in my dream and told me “Everything will be fine”. I felt the internal peace and comfort within me and I understood that God truly answers prayers. Now whenever I need help and comfort in life, I pray and seek God’s guidance.

Ever since I understood that God always answers prayers and comforts his people whenever they need it, I started to use my god-given gifts and talents to glorify him and reach out to the less-fortunate. I can relate this to Saint Ambrose who used his
god-given gifts and wrote hymns in a new way. These songs influenced many Christian songwriters.

God comforts his people whenever they need it or ask for it. Always keep in mind that you should never hesitate to ask God for anything in your life. Also keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is there to guide you. As written in 1 Peter 5:7 Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me comfort whenever I need it.
I might fail to acknowledge your works in my life, 
but I know that you never fail when it comes to your people. 
No matter where life goes, 
I know that you will always be there for me. 
Continue to keep doing your will in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

My name is Angeline Suresh and I have been a student at SSSE after it merged with SJS in Goshen for 1 year.  I am now a Freshman at Burke Catholic in Goshen. During my time at the SSSE campus I would go to mass at St. Stephens once a week with my class. I really liked the mass at St. Stephens so sometimes I would also livestream the mass from my house.

Wishing all the St. Stephens parishioners and their families a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year!!

Today's Readings

The Gospel reading for today has always confounded me - why would John the Baptist be the greatest among those born of women yet least in the Kingdom of heaven? I understand that John is greatest among the prophets, but I would think that John would be greater than most in heaven, even among the saints. But John is still alive in Herod’s prison when Jesus spoke these words. And John was not baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Through the gift of baptism, we become beloved sons and daughters of the Father and thus partakers of the Divine Nature. We are beloved sons and daughters of the King of the Universe! I have two nieces whom are not baptized. It stirs anxiety in my mom because she understands the extraordinary graces of baptism.

A fellow colleague of mine is turning 50 this week. She said this birthday bothers her more than usual. When asked why, she said that she’s not where she wants to be. When asked where she wanted to be, she didn’t have an answer. I don’t know if she’s baptized, but if she is, does she know that she is beloved of the creator? How unsettling to not be where you want to be. Have hopethat God is taking care of everything, do all things with love, be joyful that he is preparing you for heaven, and then experience peace knowing that our heavenly home awaits. That’s my deepest desire. That’s where I want to be.

Dear Lord, keep me in your presence in every moment,
guide me home.

Annette Shaughnessy and her husband, John, are long time parishioners of St. Stephens. 

Today's Readings

Today’s Gospel shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same. ”For John came neither eating nor drinking and they said, ‘he is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners,’…” Seems even in the time of Jesus and John the Baptist, no one could do anything right….and someone would have something to say about it. Sound familiar? 

What if we changed our focus as to how we concerned ourselves with the actions of others, certain we know all about them by what they say or do, and tried to do something good with the scrutiny, look beyond our first impressions.  

Almost a year ago, I stopped in the local bagel shop very early in the morning…I was on my way to my daughter and son-in-law’s house, an 800-mile, 12-hour drive. I had gotten an early start, there was no line at the bagel shop, I was poised to be on the road right as planned. Masked up and making sure to keep my social distance, I was only focusing on getting my order and getting on my way. And the couple of people in the shop were doing the same…or so I thought. 

The young man set my order on the counter by the register next to my drink…and walked away to help someone else. Okay, maybe not his job to ring anyone up. But neither, did it seem, was it anyone else’s job. No one came back to the register so I could pay. I tried to make eye contact to no avail. Now I’m literally tapping my foot impatiently…I had to get on the road! I had 12+ hours to go! C’mon people! 

After what seemed an eternity (but was likely 2 whole minutes), I get the young man’s attention and signal that I needed to pay. He looked at me, nodded his head towards a woman standing behind and to the side of me – someone who, if I noticed her at all, passed through my brain as just someone waiting for her own order to get on with her day. I looked back over at her, she shrugged sheepishly and said, “It’s paid for, but he wasn’t supposed to tell you that it was me…” 

Well, I didn’t see that coming! My impatience melted away, I smiled as much as I could with my eyes, thanked her profusely, and let her know she had just totally made my day. Someone, who I just assumed by her actions hadn’t noticed me any more than I had noticed her, gave me an unexpected gift. Not just the bagel and Snapple that was so appreciated, but the realization that, amid all the angst, anxiety and divisiveness that has summed up our current existence, there are nameless people in this world who just do nice things for others. What a blessing.

So, during this Advent season, what if we changed our focus? What if, instead, we removed judgement and looked beyond our first impressions, worried less about what other people are doing and more about how we can make their road trip through life better?



Katie Bisaro has been a parishioner at St. Stephen’s for over 25 years. She has four grown children and a gaggle of grandchildren who come back to roost now and again at their home parish.

Today's Readings

Today’s readings recount the prophecy of Elijah’s return to “put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord,” or as Jesus tells His disciples in today’s gospel reading, “to restore all things.” Jesus went on to say that Elijah had already come, at which time we are told that the disciples recognized Elijah’s return in the person of John the Baptist. That revelation probably surprised many of the disciples because they didn’t fully understand Sirach’s prophecy to the extent that they would have recognized its fulfillment in John the Baptist, particularly in light of the fact that the Messiah was standing before them. Elijah must certainly have returned by then if the scriptures were true. But the disciples had their own expectations of what Elijah’s return would look like, just as the Jewish establishment had their own expectations of what the coming of the Messiah would look like. And they were wrong. Had Jesus not been among them and opened their eyes, would the disciples have recognized him?

Do you ever think about whether you would have recognized and accepted Jesus had you been a faithful Jew living at the time? I occasionally do, and the conclusion I usually draw is unsettling. Fortunately for me that was a question I was spared from grappling with because it was answered millennia ago, but what if I had lived then?

We know that the Scribes and Pharisees as a group had hard hearts that were filled with malice. Perhaps the evil in their hearts blinded some of them to the truth of scripture, but perhaps also some of them simply couldn’t accept a “messiah” who didn’t check any of the boxes as they’d come to understand them. They believed and taught what had been taught for generations, and passed that teaching to others, however blind that teaching may have become. Now before anyone gets their shorts in a knot, I’m not giving the Pharisees a pass, but instead pointing out that there’s a difference between simply failing to recognize someone and obstinately refusing to see because it shakes our world.

The Scribes and Pharisees should have known better, and in fact they did know better. We know that because of Jesus’ accusations against them. But what of someone like me, who would likely not have been in the Jewish hierarchy or among the scripture scholars of the day? Perhaps I’d have been a faithful Jew who strictly adhered to the teachings in the temple and thus failed to recognize Jesus. Maybe I’d have viewed things in a different light like so many faithful Jews who were able to connect the dots and recognize Jesus because they weren’t impeded by the obstacles of pride, prejudice, position, and power. Yet again I might have been a Greek who didn’t come with the baggage of rigorous Jewish teachings and misconceptions about who the Messiah would be, and I might have readily accepted Him. How much easier it is for me to accept Jesus today than it might have been had I lived when he walked among us. And yet I can still fail to recognize him.

Jesus is present and is recognizable everywhere. We can recognize Him in scripture, in the Eucharist, in the Church, and in others. Do we read scripture and look to the Church to help us understand it? Do we recognize the truth of the Real Presence? Do we humbly accept the teachings of our Church and do our best to follow them? Do we try to recognize Jesus in everyone we encounter, from those most dear to us to those who most irritate us? I don’t know about you, but I have some work to do.

Jim and Ruthann DiMauro have been parishioners at St. Stephen’s Church since 1995.  They live in Vernon, NJ, and are fortunate enough to have their four children living within easy striking distance by car.

Today's Readings

Shout for Joy! Rejoice in the Lord always! Cry out with Joy and Gladness! 

I think it’s obvious by now what today is, it’s the third Sunday of Advent which means we get to see the priest wear pink – excuse me, rose! – and call on this day as Rejoice Sunday or Gaudete Sunday.

In my life I perpetually love to bring joy and happiness. I like to crack a joke. I prefer a smile over a frown. I’m very expressive and dynamic, but this doesn’t mean because I choose joy a lot of times in my life that I am a happy person. I struggle and I know you do too. I know we all struggle to keep a happy face especially in this past year and a half. I’m a worrier. My anxiety is always knocking on my heart or prickling at the back of my neck. I tend to go one hundred miles per hour most days because I need to feel a sense of accomplishment in order to relax and when my body doesn’t feel well, I will perseverate repeatedly on the fact that “I must be dying of something, anything!”.

Jesus knows all of this about me. He knows my heart and my wounds through and through. He knows my struggles. He knows my desire to always please others. Which leads me this Sunday to realize that He knows this about me and if you are like me, He knows you too. Therefore, He is speaking to us today in His holy scriptures. 

“…. the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear.”

“Have no anxiety at all but in everything by prayer and petition, 
with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”

“God indeed is my Savior, I am confident and unafraid. 
My strength and my courage is the Lord.”

How can we not rejoice in His holy words, right? How can we not jump for JOY this Sunday and thank our God and Savior Jesus Christ for coming to us in flesh this Christmas to save us from our sin? He is commanding us through His words today to embrace His peace and His joy for it is there for our taking and it absolutely surpasses our understanding. I encourage you today to stop questioning and just do it! Choose JOY this Rejoice Sunday. Laugh, smile, and with a heart of gratitude embrace this day because it is His gift for you!

Lord Jesus we thank you for Your gift of Joy for us today. 
We pray Lord that you will allow us to embrace this Joy and 
allow others to be blessed with this gift through us. 
In Your precious name we pray. Amen

Kerry Roberson has been a parishioner of St. Stephen’s her whole life. She is blessed to have a phenomenal husband and three beautiful children whom she can share the gift of this parish with.

Today's Readings

“’I will not’, but afterwards he changed his mind and went” …The 2 sons, one saying he will not do the father’s will and then changing his mind-one saying he will and then not supporting his words with action...placating the father “yessing” him and doing what he wants to do-his will. This Gospel starts by Jesus asking, “What is your opinion?” to the chief priests and elders…they’re probably not sure what the “right” answer is but go with the first as doing the will of God.  Then a familiar rebuke from our Lord and a reminder again of who will be exalted, and it won’t be the proud or the “braggarts” but Zephaniah’s “…a people humble and lowly…Who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord” … and Jesus names them: the prostitutes and the tax collectors-those who said yes to changing their minds and believing John’s, and ultimately Jesus’s, message of repentance and salvation…

Many times, throughout the day does my God offer opportunities to say “I will not” or “Yes” in the context of love and service, attitude and action - do I exert my will, or do I observe my heart space opening a bit to do the will of God?  Grace will guide the way if I move aside and allow God to take the lead in the matter-and usually the choice isn’t that difficult, and I must look at my resistance to what is showing up that I don’t want to do…Is it prayer this morning? (Too busy) Is it not judging others’ driving (you’d be irritated too) Is it giving more than receiving today? (I like those socks - I don’t know of I want to put them in the homeless box) …Is my willful way disrupting a flow of conversation because I think what I have to offer is more important than what you want to say?  “She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the Lord she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near…”  It happens.

What is your opinion?

But here’s the Good News - I can return, with a humble request for help, to discern rightly the will of God in these daily choices - honestly, it comes pretty quickly and I am relieved of bondage of self, know what to do next, and keep my eyes and heart open to the next opportunity to align and be in union with what is pleasing to God, myself and others-sometimes it is just a simple “yes” to carving out time, slowing down, identifying with others’ imperfections and being grateful and selfless. 

These last days of Advent, I wish for all of you a new humble yessing that brings you closer to the Lord as He comes closer to us…

I will Lord, be humbled by the abundance in this one amazing life, 
say yes to the grace you bestow to live it rightly, 
and  love as freely as you have loved…

Jeannie Snyder lives in Warwick and deeply appreciates to connection to the faith community at St. Stephen’s. 

Today's Readings

There is movement and purpose uniting today’s three readings. In the first reading Isaiah speaks for God and of God in images of action and deeds in shifting tenses, present tense: form, create, make, do, says, swear, and “I am”; and past tense: created established, announced, foretold, and “was it not I” underscoring God’s timelessness and credibility as creator and enduring source of justice, salvation, and well being for us created to” live in” the earth. It is also from this “designed and made” earth that salvation in the form of the Savior will “bud forth” as the heavens rain down justice and “the Just One”. 

As Old Testament readings both passages from Isaiah foreshadow what those of us New Testament people know to be the budding forth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. But imagine yourself for a spiritual moment to be one of John’s disciples summoned by him to inquire of Jesus as “the one who is to come”. John knew the Old Testament well, as quite possibly his disciples. They knew Isaiah’s prophecy of a savior. And John was present to Jesus even before their births as we know from the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.  Yet John needed to ask so that the question could be answered not so much perhaps for him but for his disciples and those to whom John preached. So the question was put forth to Jesus. And how did He reply? 

He replied In the same language of action and deeds that characterized God’s responses in the first reading.  Jesus could have answered in the form of a lofty, intellectual, Scriptural discourse tracing His history from the Old Testament and referencing power and glory, justice and salvation, his relationship with the Father, and more esoteric wisdom than these disciples could ever be able to grasp. But what was Jesus’ answer?  He described for them in simple terms what He was doing to and for people, allowing them and John to reflect Jesus’ actions back to Scripture to answer the question for themselves. Was He indeed the Just One and the Savior? “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (James 1:22).

And at the conclusion of the passage in true, humble fashion, Jesus confers a gesture of grace on those who understand His work.

HELP ME LIVE YOUR KINGDOM
Lord, give me the grace to labor with You
without seeking myself -
to live the Kingdom
in its full reality. 

John Futrell, SJ 

Katherine Petrillo-Klein and family share a long history in the parish from teaching and learning in the Religious Education program, to the lector and Spanish music ministry.   

Today's Readings

Sometimes life shakes each one of us. This shaking leaves heartache, headache, and disorientation. Clarity and ease come from God’s love and joy. Navigating life’s challenges are not simple; it takes strong intention to maintain spiritual softness. The first reading indicates, “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken.”

Softness for one’s self and others is the key to deep spiritual love. In my prior reflection, I talked about internalizing patience. Patience is a foundational component for love in God, love in others, and love in one’s self. Once one sheds hardness and patiently absorbs God’s love, everything changes. God’s love is all around us, all we have to do is listen. As Charlie says in the movie The Santa Clause, “Believing is seeing.”

Let’s end with a story. A man finished his meal at a small pub, left a generous tip, and walked home. It was late, the moon was out, and the stars were glistening softly. When he was almost home, he looked up at the sky and said thank you. Even though everything wasn’t perfect, he felt the spiritual softness and God’s love emanating from his being. He was physically home but at that moment he was also spiritually home. 

Prayer 

More than ever I find myself in the hands of God.
This is what I have wanted all my life from my youth.
But now there is a difference;
the initiative is entirely with God.
It is indeed a profound spiritual experience
to know and feel myself so totally in God's hands.

- Pedro Arrupe, S.J. 

Tom is a life long parishioner of St. Stephen Church. He also attended St. Stephen School. Tom earned his business degrees from The University of Scranton (Catholic/Jesuit). He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council.

Today's Readings

December 17, First day of the O Antiphons

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

Knowing who your ancestors were and where you came from is a very big deal these days.  People hunt in ancestry lists and have their DNA tested. They want information about the real people that came before them. 

For centuries the Jewish people watched for the Messiah to come.  They looked for a king of David’s lineage, one who would destroy their enemies, set captives free and unite the tribes; he would cleanse the Temple and be the Lord of the Nations.  They poured over the scriptures and waited for their warrior king to arrive.  

When Jesus the Messiah did come, it was quietly, with a star leading the way and a host of angels announcing his arrival to shepherds, the lowest of the low.  The first visitors to bow to the King were the scorned of society.  Years later, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, it was on a donkey instead of a royal steed.

In today’s Gospel, Matthew writes of the real, historical people that Jesus was descended from.  These are the people of the covenant, God’s promise of a Messiah.  Matthew’s hope was to help show the Jewish people that Jesus was one of God’s chosen people and their long-awaited Messiah.  He knew they would want his ancestry to match their expectations before they would listen to anything more about this poor man who suffered and died as a criminal. 

They are the people of Salvation History, the cast of characters in Jesus’ family.  Their stories are laid bare in the Old Testament scriptures. The list includes many faithful Jews, some not so faithful, patriarchs, kings, warriors, farmers, spies, murderers, prostitutes, some outsiders, etc.  It is not a white-washed list by any means.  
 
I don’t have to hunt for my ancestors in faith.  Being grafted onto Jesus’ family through Baptism, I can pick up the Bible and read about them, all forty-two generations.  I love this family; they are my family.  I belong.  If they were perfect, I wouldn’t feel that way.  Nor would I know I need a Savior.

These folks strove to be faithful, to do the right thing in God’s eyes.  They sometimes failed but knew their merciful God would always be there for them.  They had to repent often, and God always took them back.  I am like them in all these ways, but I have the hindsight of knowing that Jesus is the Messiah, who was Incarnate, lived, died, and rose for me.  

In God’s Wisdom, he laid out a perfect plan for the salvation of his people.  In his great love, he gave his only son to open the gates of heaven for us.  Let us never take for granted any part of that great plan.  The plan for us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him, Mary, Joseph, the saints, angels, and all our family members. 

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high
And order all things, far and nigh
To us the path of knowledge show
And cause us in her ways to go

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

Ruthann DiMauro and her husband Jim are parishioners at St. Stephen’s.  They have lived in Vernon in for 37 years and raised four beloved children there.

Today's Readings

The final week of Advent closes with the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.  It’s fitting that the season celebrates the gathering of family to share the joy and expectation of the birth of a new child.  We are told in today’s gospel that Mary travels to the hill country as soon as she learns from the Angel that her relation, Elizabeth, is in her sixth month of pregnancy.   Mary does not delay in reaching Elizabeth; she does not stop to consider all the upcoming changes in her own life.  Mary’s focus is on Elizabeth, and the excitement of what was thought to have been impossible for a woman of Elizabeth’s age.   Elizabeth, too, is filled with joy and cries out when Mary enters the house, “For the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.”

This joy should be filled in us, too, maybe now more than ever.   Yet as this year winds down and the virus still looms, it can be challenging to be filled with joy, peace, comfort, and glad tidings…all the merriment of the season.  However, I think bringing joy with small gestures and kindness can grow, especially when I push myself outside of my comfort zone.  Last week at Shoprite I watched a man buy the items for the customer in front of him who was in a mobilized scooter.  He took the time to quietly let the cashier know he would be paying for the order and did so without calling any attention to himself.  The recipient of this kindness was so surprised and overwhelmed.  Viewing from the next cashier over, I didn’t just witness a beautiful act of kindness, I felt regret and shame as I knew I chose this line to avoid being behind a slower customer.  I was preoccupied with returning to work on time and finishing an errand quickly.  I may have missed the opportunity to commit a random act of kindness, but I did not miss the lesson.  

It is not easy to be corrected, it is not easy to be patient, and it is not easy to always get it right.  Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are the perfect family - they are the model for us to replicate.  Everyday we get a chance to try anew.  Let us pray for more opportunities to gather together joyfully, to put aside our self-serving ways, and to perform acts of kindness quietly and with mercy for those who need our time and talent.

Psalm 80:  Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. 

Donna McCarey lives in Middletown and attends St Stephen’s Parish with her mom, Louise Cully.

Today's Readings

Have you ever wondered how and what Mary must have felt and thought when the Angel Gabriel appeared in a dream to her and said?
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Are there times in your life when all is perfect and then your plans are changed, and that you did not plan or expect a situation to occur or that is not what you wanted to happen?  What were your thoughts? Who did you turn to? 

I have always had a strong faith in the Lord since I was a young child. We may not always understand at the time why things occurred or what we just learned is happening to us or even able to comprehend but there is an inner peace that comes from God that provides and protects us. By learning to trust in God and let go, let God take over, you will experience the peace he offers to us, for it is not our will but God’s will.

Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.
for nothing will be impossible for God.”

During the hustle and bustle of the season try to take a moment, several if you can and reflect on the times that you have trusted in God and listen to him what is it that God wants to tell you and understand that it is God’s will not our will.
May the peace of the season be with you and always.

Jeremiah 29:11
¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Nancy Driscoll has celebrated her baptism, reconciliation, communion, confirmation, and renewal of matrimony vows at St. Stephen’s Church and has been a parishioner for 30+ years. Nancy has been married to Donald for 28 years and they have two children Megan and Ryan, who is a graduate of St. Stephens School and Burke Catholic HS.
 

Today's Readings

Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills.
My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag.

My wife and I leave our family Bible open to this verse because it sparked the first conversation that we had more than 4 years ago.

Song of Songs is Romance. 

But oh my gosh, it is also so funny.

In fact, my wife and I had our first conversation because we agreed that Song of Songs seems less like Romance and more like Comedy.

It goes without saying that God “gets the last laugh” because it is precisely for these verses that my wife and I found our vocation. 
Like any good friend, The Lord invited us in with joy.

Going where Jesus invites us to go has very many seasons. Not all of them are marked by drunken levity and an infinite-wondrous-abandon.

Join me this advent (almost Christmas!) in asking Jesus to be reminded of the joy of new beginnings and the grace to trust that He will continually give us the Good we need.

Oh, and have a good laugh. 
It just might lead you where you need to be.


Matthew Juliano is a very serious person. He has been married to Emily for 2 1/2 years. His hobbies include singing in the car and annoying his wife (he is better at the latter). He and Emily are Eucharist Ministers at the 11am Mass. 

Today's Readings
 

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

The Magnificat; Mary’s hymn of praise, her cry of joy to God. Can you imagine for a moment the circumstances surrounding these words? Mary was a young girl visiting Elizabeth, already carrying Jesus in her womb, and having every valid reason to be anxious and afraid. As a young, unmarried, pregnant woman she certainly had every reason to be frightened.

However, the first words spoken to Mary by Angel Gabriel were, “Do not be afraid.” 

And here we listen to her singing praise to God and rejoicing in Him. 

It would do our souls good to soak in these words proclaimed by Our Blessed Mother, especially now, as so many of us sit feeling fearful and afraid of the condition of our world. I think it’s safe to say we’ve all experienced some sort of anxiety, sorrow or loss these past two years. As my sister so poetically describes it, everyone’s light is a little dimmer now.

But we do have reason to rejoice! Reason to be joyful and sing praises to God! Thanks be to God we have Jesus and His unfailing love surrounding us always. I’m certain the joy Mary felt radiated from the life within her, the life of Jesus. She carried Christ within her, under her heart, and His love poured out so much that John, an unborn child recognized it!

I often turn to Mary when I am anxious and afraid. I ask her to pray for me, intercede for me, comfort me. She has never failed me, not once. As our heavenly mother, Mary constantly points us to her son Jesus. She covers us with her mantle and draws us close to herself and close to Jesus.

During these final days of Advent, let’s talk to Mary and ask her to share with us the joy she felt as she awaited the birth of Jesus. Let’s weave that joy into the hem of our day. With God’s grace that joy will pour forth for others to see.

Mary, our world needs your joy and motherly love now more than ever.
Cover us all in your heavenly mantle.
Protect our families, protect our children.
Show us your son, Jesus.

Amanda Lopez has been a parishioner at St. Stephens for 7 years. She and her husband Marc feel blessed to raise their children, Evelyn, Nora, Penelope and Joshua in such a beautiful faith-filled community.