Preparing Our Hearts for the Gift of Faith
Summary
In this Advent season, we are called to prepare our hearts for the profound gift of faith that God desires to bestow upon us. This preparation is not merely a passive waiting but an active engagement in spiritual practices that open us to receive God's grace. As we begin this liturgical year, we are reminded of the signs of the times and the call to vigilance, as Jesus instructed his disciples. The world may be filled with chaos and fear, but we are encouraged to stand firm, raise our heads, and recognize that our redemption is near.
Father Sean and I have been praying intentionally for our parish, seeking God's guidance on how best to prepare for this season. Through prayer and retreat, we discerned that God wants to deepen our faith, a gift we first received at baptism. This faith is the foundation upon which hope and charity are built, much like a chalice that holds the precious blood of Christ. Our task is to prepare ourselves to receive this gift fully, knowing that God always has more to give.
To prepare, we are encouraged to engage in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, where we encounter Christ's sacrifice and are transformed by His presence. Daily prayer is essential, whether it's adding a few minutes to our routine or starting anew. Confession is also vital, as it removes the barriers that hinder us from receiving God's gifts. Additionally, fasting, even in small ways, can create space in our hearts for God to fill.
We are also planning a parish mission from December 15th to 17th, where we will gather in prayer and adoration, asking God to remove obstacles like fear and doubt. This mission is part of our journey towards the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, where faith, hope, and charity will guide us to live God's love in the world. As we embark on this Advent journey, let us open our hearts wide to receive the deepening of faith that God promises, allowing it to transform us and the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Vigilance in Faith: In a world filled with chaos, we are called to stand firm and vigilant, recognizing that our redemption is near. This requires an active engagement in spiritual practices that keep our hearts open to God's grace. [11:25]
2. Intentional Prayer: Through intentional prayer and retreat, we discern God's desire to deepen our faith. This faith, received at baptism, is the foundation upon which hope and charity are built, much like a chalice that holds the precious blood of Christ. [18:01]
3. Sacramental Life: Engaging in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, is essential for our transformation. Through the Eucharist, we encounter Christ's sacrifice and are invited to open our hearts to His transformative presence. [22:22]
4. Daily Prayer and Confession: Daily prayer and confession are vital practices that remove barriers and open us to receive God's gifts. Whether adding a few minutes to our routine or starting anew, these practices deepen our relationship with God. [25:52]
5. Fasting and Parish Mission: Fasting, even in small ways, creates space in our hearts for God to fill. Our upcoming parish mission will be a time of prayer and adoration, asking God to remove obstacles like fear and doubt, preparing us for the Jubilee Year of Hope. [30:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:25] - Signs of the Times
[18:01] - Intentional Prayer and Retreat
[22:22] - Sacramental Life
[25:52] - Daily Prayer and Confession
[30:46] - Fasting and Parish Mission
[36:24] - Eucharistic Celebration
[39:17] - Prayer for the Parish
[41:59] - Announcements and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 21:25-36: Jesus speaks about the signs of the times and the call to vigilance.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6: "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober."
- Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What signs does Jesus mention in Luke 21:25-36 that indicate the coming of the Son of Man?
2. According to the sermon, what are some spiritual practices that can help us prepare our hearts during Advent? [22:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith, hope, and charity using the image of a chalice? [18:01]
4. What specific actions are suggested in the sermon to remove barriers that hinder us from receiving God's gifts? [25:52]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the signs mentioned in Luke 21:25-36 be relevant to our current world situation? What does it mean to "stand erect and raise your heads" in this context?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that intentional prayer can deepen our faith? How does this relate to the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity? [18:01]
3. How does engaging in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, transform us according to the sermon? What role does this play in our spiritual preparation? [22:22]
4. What is the significance of fasting during Advent as described in the sermon, and how does it create space for God in our lives? [30:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the chaos and fear in the world today. How can you practice vigilance in your faith to recognize that your redemption is near? [11:25]
2. Consider your current prayer routine. What specific changes can you make to engage more intentionally in prayer during this Advent season? [18:01]
3. How often do you participate in the sacraments, and what steps can you take to deepen your engagement with the Eucharist? [22:22]
4. Identify any barriers in your life that might be hindering you from receiving God's gifts. What practical steps can you take to address these barriers through confession or other means? [25:52]
5. What small fasting practice can you incorporate into your Advent journey to create more space for God in your heart? [30:46]
6. How can you participate in the upcoming parish mission, and what do you hope to gain from this experience in terms of overcoming fear and doubt? [30:46]
7. As we prepare for the Jubilee Year of Hope, what specific actions can you take to live out faith, hope, and charity in your daily life? [30:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Vigilance Amidst Chaos
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, believers are called to stand firm and vigilant, recognizing that their redemption is near. This vigilance is not passive but requires active engagement in spiritual practices that keep hearts open to God's grace. By staying alert and aware of the signs of the times, individuals can maintain a posture of readiness, prepared to receive the profound gift of faith that God desires to bestow. This active engagement involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines that nurture and sustain faith, even in the midst of life's challenges. [11:25]
Luke 21:34-36 (ESV): "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Reflection: What specific spiritual practice can you commit to this week to help you remain vigilant and open to God's grace amidst the chaos around you?
Day 2: Intentional Prayer and Faith
Intentional prayer and retreat are essential for discerning God's desire to deepen faith. This faith, received at baptism, serves as the foundation upon which hope and charity are built, much like a chalice that holds the precious blood of Christ. By setting aside time for intentional prayer, individuals can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, allowing His presence to guide and transform their lives. This intentionality in prayer creates space for God to reveal His plans and purposes, leading to a more profound understanding of His love and grace. [18:01]
Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: How can you incorporate intentional prayer into your daily routine this week, and what specific area of your life do you need to seek God's guidance in?
Day 3: Transformation Through the Sacraments
Engaging in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, is essential for spiritual transformation. Through the Eucharist, believers encounter Christ's sacrifice and are invited to open their hearts to His transformative presence. This sacramental life is a means of grace, providing strength and nourishment for the journey of faith. By participating in the sacraments, individuals are reminded of God's love and are empowered to live out their faith in tangible ways, reflecting Christ's love to the world around them. [22:22]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you more fully engage with the sacraments this week, and what impact do you hope this will have on your spiritual journey?
Day 4: Daily Prayer and Confession
Daily prayer and confession are vital practices that remove barriers and open individuals to receive God's gifts. Whether adding a few minutes to a daily routine or starting anew, these practices deepen the relationship with God and foster spiritual growth. Confession, in particular, is a means of grace that allows believers to experience God's forgiveness and healing, freeing them from the burdens of sin and guilt. By committing to these practices, individuals can cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's love and guidance. [25:52]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What barriers are currently hindering your relationship with God, and how can you use daily prayer and confession to address these obstacles?
Day 5: Fasting and Preparing for Hope
Fasting, even in small ways, creates space in the heart for God to fill. As the parish prepares for the upcoming mission and the Jubilee Year of Hope, fasting becomes a tool for spiritual preparation, allowing individuals to focus on God's presence and remove obstacles like fear and doubt. This intentional act of self-denial opens the heart to receive God's gifts and prepares believers to live out their faith with renewed hope and charity. By embracing fasting, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of His purpose for their lives. [30:46]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: What small act of fasting can you commit to this week, and how can this practice help you prepare your heart for God's presence and the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope?
Quotes
"Jesus said to his disciples, There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves." [00:16:54] (12 seconds)
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness, and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth." [00:17:26] (15 seconds)
"And that gift of faith is something that we receive at baptism, right? The faith, hope, and charity, those theological virtues, they're poured into our hearts at baptism, but they're strengthened throughout our life by the living out of our faith." [00:19:39] (15 seconds)
"And so we want to do that throughout this Advent. We want to ask him to prepare our hearts to receive the gift that he has promised for us." [00:21:28] (8 seconds)
"Another way is, of course, praying every day. We want to, we want to spend some time in prayer. So wherever you're at on your prayer journey, maybe you do your daily prayer, maybe add five minutes and just sit in the silence of this time of the year and ask the Lord to speak to your heart, to move you, to direct you in all of your daily activities." [00:22:22] (21 seconds)
"So I'll usually, I'll give a talk at the beginning of each night and then he's gonna lead us in adoration and prayer. And through that, being led in prayer during that time, we're gonna ask the Lord to remove some of those obstacles that arise in our life." [00:25:01] (14 seconds)
"May this Sabbath, the sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on earth, with your servant Francis, our Pope, and David, our Bishop, the order of bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own." [00:39:38] (18 seconds)
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