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?
What does it really mean to say, “I’m in”? In this FatherSide Chat, Father Gene explores Ash Wednesday and Lent not as rituals of guilt, but as intentional renewal. A season to recommit, refocus, and choose something better for ourselves and those around us.
Some moments stay with us forever—the instant understanding clicks, or gratitude suddenly deepens. Father Gene reflects on recognizing “the good stuff”: learning, resilience, and the quiet sacrifices of those who came before us that made our own lives possible.