Here we are in the second week of Advent. It’s about this time when I start to lose the momentum that I had when I started. Each year when Advent comes around I say to myself that I’m going to use the season to really make a change. Lent is not the only time that we can try to better ourselves. Of course, we should better ourselves everyday, but Lent and Advent are the two times of year it really comes home.

Advent, like Lent, is a time of preparation. We are preparing for the coming of Jesus. He will come in a symbolic way at Christmas but we are also Christians who are expecting His return in glory. Jesus would return at any time, are you ready? I know that I am doing my best but I feel I have a long way to go. If the Lord returned today, how many of us would be able to stand in front of him?

One great way that St. Patrick’s helps us is by providing the Magnificat booklets at the back of Church. These great meditations can help us keep in mind what is important this season. If you haven’t picked one up, I highly encourage you to get one. I have two in case I lose one.

One of the best ways to increase your relationship with the Lord is through Adoration. Adoration is God’s gift to his people. I cannot describe how great it is to kneel in front of our Lord in the Eucharist. It is so quiet and peaceful; it’s just you and Jesus. Adoration is a time to bring to the Lord your concerns and those of your friends and family. Offer to Him everything and He will help you. Check the Catholic Times for times for adoration, I’m sure there is a place somewhere near you in this city.

So, how am I doing this Advent? I think I’m doing pretty well. Check with me next week.

This was sent to me by a Vietnam Veteran.

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you, but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?”

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.”

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got very far. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandpa the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Papa, it’s useless!”

“So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. “Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out. That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.”

Take time to read a portion of God’s word each day, Oh I need to do that, and remind a friend by sharing this e-mail. For God so loved the world that He sent His Son for me, and because I believe in Him I will live eternally. In Jesus’ name, Amen.