…”On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.” The first reading, on this Second Sunday of Advent, from the Prophet Isaiah articulates God’s vision for a more peaceful world. Jesus comes to Light the Path to Peace. He shows us the way of forgiveness, mercy, compassion and peace. It’s a radical vision but one some find necessary for a more peaceful world. It starts in our homes and neighborhoods. It happens when we reach out with words of peace and compassion.
…Jesus wants to light the path to peace. Take some time in these busy days to sit quietly – light a candle – and allow the peaceful presence of Christ to fill your heart and your home. Jesus wants to light the path to peace. It starts with the inner peace that Christ alone can give.
…Last weekend about 1000 Little Blue Books were taken home. In two minutes a day, it can help each of us find the deeper peace of Christ in our lives. Two minutes a day….make the commitment.
…Many thanks to those who participated in the first ever #WeGiveCatholic. About $1000 was raised to support our 12 days of Christmas project (which brings joy, and hope, and cheer to some of our members), and about $1000 for our Students in Need Scholarship Fund for Saint Ambrose School. God bless you for your thoughtfulness and continued support.
…This weekend is a very special time for our community as we welcome the Singing Angels (on Saturday night) and light the Christmas trees that bring joy and cheer to our parish campus and our community. On Sunday morning, thanks to our FIAT Teens, K of C, and Littlest Angels Preschool, we welcome Breakfast with Saint Ambrose, Saint Nicholas and Friends. It’s a great family gathering with good food, great crafts and photo ops for the kids. Please join us for these fun family events.
…Don’t forget to make plans to bring your family and friends to the Living Nativity which is on Saturday, December 17. It’s a great way to help your family focus on the real reason for the season.
…The Feast of Saint Ambrose is next Wednesday, December 7. Saint Ambrose of Milan was a very successful businessman before the entire community called him to lead the Church. In his ‘yes’ to the call, he went on to be ordained a Bishop and become a Doctor in the Church. He really integrated faith, and life, and work together. He said that, “Jesus Christ is everything.” Jesus Christ is the center and focus which makes everything else (including Christmas) make sense. How can we use his feast day to renew our commitment to center our lives on Jesus Christ?
…This past Friday, The Milan Monthly leadership program for Saint Ambrose School students was launched. Each month our eighth graders will meet for lunch and a meaningful conversation with community/business leaders to discuss how to connect faith and life together – working towards Isaiah’s vision for a more peaceful world. This month our students enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dolan from the Cleveland Indians. Go Tribe!!!
…Most of us would say that Christmas is a special time for family and traditions. It’s a time to celebrate the generations of family coming together to share faith – and family – and fun. Our first ever Advent Tea takes place next Saturday. It’s really a perfect Christmas event – all generations coming together to share faith, family and friendship. Brooke Taylor, our guest speaker, will offer some reflections to help moms, grandmas and daughters reflect more deeply on what really matters most. Please join us. It promises to be a wonderful new tradition for our community.
…This week we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). It’s a Holy Day of Obligation as we celebrate and reflect on the perfect ‘yes’ of Mary. Join us for Mass on Wednesday at 7:00 pm, or on Thursday at 8:15 am, 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
…Our Catholic Works of Mercy Team is a blessing beyond words. Every day they are the hands and feet of Christ….they are OUR hands and feet in serving the needs of our sisters and brothers throughout our community. May God bless them for their efforts at Thanksgiving and as we prepare for Christmas. Please keep them in prayer as they give much of their time in these busy days to serve those in need.
…Many thanks to all who have taken the ornaments from the Advent Giving Trees. Many of us working together will provide for all those in need this Christmas. God bless you.
…Our high school students have adopted 135 children from Boys Hope and Girls Hope. What a blessing to get all ages involved in doing the work of the Lord. Together we are bringing about God’s vision proclaimed by the Prophet Isaiah.
…Thanks for your prayers this past week. Surgery went well….by the time you read this, I will be back in action. God bless you for your thoughtfulness. The best part of the whole experience was that during every step (literally rolling into surgery) there were people who are members or know about the great work you do every day at Saint Ambrose in service to the Lord. It was a humble blessing!!
…As we celebrate our patronal feast, be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones. Together we are working to build a stronger community and more loving world in the spirit of Jesus Christ, who is everything for us now and always.
