Advent
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the start of Advent isn't too far away. As we speed into the holiday season, Advent can often be nudged to the periphery, despite the fact that Advent can have a profound effect on our attitude about Christmas. Advent is a time to concentrate on Mary, the mother of God. Sometimes we forget that Mary put her hopes, dreams, and aspirations on hold in order to answer God's call to be the mother of Jesus. Mary said "yes," and that changed her whole life. A question for us to ponder this Advent season: How many times have we put our plans aside and said "yes" to God's plan for us?
When life doesn't go the way we hoped, it's easy to question or even blame God. Father Gene explores what it means to surrender control without surrendering hope, trusting God while continuing to work, dream, and live faithfully through uncertainty.
What if God's plan isn't a perfect blueprint, but a relationship that continues even when we fail? Father Gene reflects on a God who doesn't abandon us when we fall short, but continually invites us forward with faith, hope, and love.