+JMJ
Dear Parishioners,
I recently read a blog article by a priest about demonic strategies against modern Christians. He imagined the demons meeting to brainstorm schemes to trick disciples of Christ into damnation. First a demon suggested trying to get them not to believe in evil. Another demon retorted that would be impossible, because evil is so obvious in all of our headlines, even in our daily experience of life.
Another demon suggested deceiving us to think there is no such thing as goodness. Another demon responded that would also be impossible, because there are still so many beautiful things and blessings in the world, all sent from “the Enemy” (since a demon is saying this).
Another demon suggested deceiving humans that there is no need to hurry, when it comes to living a holy life. That idea seemed to please everyone in the group. One huge focus of Advent is anticipating the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Nobody will miss the Second Coming when it happens. Perhaps we have a lot of time before the Second Coming happens? Although no one of us knows when the Second Coming will happen, it's equally true that no one of us knows when our own definitive encounter with Jesus Christs will happen personally, (i.e., when our life on this earth will come to an end). Let's never assume that there is no need to hurry, when it comes to choosing for holiness. The richness of living holiness – richness for ourselves and for those around us – is not to be delayed for even one more day.
Let's ask the Lord to help us live this Advent season for His glory, more fully than ever before.
Have a Blessed Advent!
In cordibus Iesu, Mariae et Iosephus,
Father Poggemeyer