Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s of the Lake:


The 4 general areas of focus for Advent are: HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE!
As we begin our Second Week of Advent, may I invite you to reflect on PEACE. Peace in the Bible oftentimes is seen as a translation of the Hebrew word ‘SHALOM’, which has a wide semantic range including the notions of totality, wholeness or fulfillment; harmony, security, or wellbeing. With the grace of God, may each one of us experience Peace within ourselves, toward others and with God:
1.- PEACE WITHIN                                  
OURSELVES: In the hustle and
bustle these days, may I
suggest that we manage to
find some time for some
silence to pray and reflect on
the true ‘reason for the season’ and to find tranquility and peace. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta has this precious lesson to teach us: ‘The fruit of SILENCE is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service and the fruit of service is PEACE.’ In addition, to deepen peace within ourselves, the ‘Tranquility Prayer’ may be of help: ‘God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And Wisdom to know the difference’.

2.- PEACE TOWARD OTHERS: In the Beatitude, Our Lord taught us: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ (Mt 5: 9). Yearning to be authentic children of God, in our daily life --especially during Advent & Christmas seasons, we may be offered occasions to be peace-makers –for example: helping enhance or restore friendship & harmony, love, care, concern & respect among people in our own families and beyond. With the grace of God, may we experience peace within our hearts and be peace-makers toward others –as we continue to pray for more understanding and true peace in our world.

3.- PEACE WITH GOD: During Advent and Lent we Catholics have fostered a grace-filled habit of approaching the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This Sacrament has a base in John 20: 19ff, which is an account of Jesus’ apparition after Resurrection. In a rather short Gospel Jesus said: PEACE BE WITH YOU twice. The Second time when Jesus said, Peace be with you, He breathed upon the disciples and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive people's sins, they are forgiven them. If you hold them bound, they are held bound!’ May we avail ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent to receive Forgiveness and Peace with God (as well as with ourselves and others)!

Plan ahead for the PARISH ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE (with individual Confession) TUE December 11 (4:30 PM in Wabeno) or
THU December 13 (6 PM in Lakewood)

Fr. Philip