Fourth Sunday of Advent
April 2, 2025 Column Father De Celles
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.” This verse from Numbers 24:17, from the prophecy of Balaam 13 centuries before the Birth of Jesus reveals the deep and longsuffering desire and hope for the coming of the Messiah. Today, we know the Messiah has come, 20 centuries ago, but during Advent we have remembered that long time of waiting, spiritually joining into it, as we still desire not just the celebration of the Birth, but a continuous re-Birth of Christ in our lives. In these last days before Christmas, the prophecy is even more poignant as we join into the joyful expectation of Mary and Joseph as the Birth of Jesus was finally imminent.
So in these last 3 days of Advent, put yourself in company of Mary and Joseph this week. Join not only in their joy and hope, but also in their deep faith and trust in the promises of the God of Israel, and strive to imitate their love for the Savior Who was born on Christmas Day.
Remember: the focus of our joy and hope should not be on what’s under the Christmas tree, or visiting friends and family. Rather our focus must remain on Jesus. Place him at the center of everything you are doing, and looking forward to.
I know most of us have lots of practical things to get done before Christmas, i.e., shopping for gifts, preparing delicious Christmas foods, travelling, etc. All that is good, as long as it doesn’t distract you from Jesus and you place it all in the context of truly celebrating His Birth with faith, hope and love.
Remember, keep praying, and if you haven’t been to confession yet, go tomorrow at 6pm. And go to Mass tomorrow and Tuesday—the best way to prepare for Christmas.
Giving Tree. I want to thank all of you who gave so generously to the “Giving Tree.” Because of your kindness over 31 families and 165 people will have a little merrier Christmas this year. A special thank you to our Giving Tree Committee leads: Sheri Burns, Maggie McKinley, Alex Bustamante and all the volunteers that helped them.
Christmas Schedule: Please take time today to revisit our schedule for this week—found in this bulletin, especially the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sunday schedules.
Let me extend a particular invitation to Christmas Midnight Mass. I have talked many times about how such a Midnight Mass 40 years ago was the occasion of an important moment in my own personal spiritual life. There is something very special about that Mass, which begins with the placing of the “Baby Jesus” in the Manger, as we remember that Christ was born in the “Holy Night.” The choir sings so beautifully, all the altar servers are so reverent, and we usually get a large (not too large, though) and devout crowd. Think about joining us this year. (Just a fatherly word of caution: it can be a little tough on the very little ones, that late; so parents, please be prudent).
Volunteer Dinner. Mark your calendars: January 4 is the day for our annual reception in appreciation for all those who volunteer their time to support the activities of the parish. Keep your eyes on the bulletin for details, or contact your committee chairman.
Chesterton Academy. I have been approached by a group of parents working to start a Chesterton Academy (an independent affordable Catholic high school) that will be located somewhere in the Springfield-Alexandria area. This is something I’ve been hoping for and talking about for a long time, so I have agreed to be a member of its founding Board.
They are in the beginning stages of applying to Chesterton Schools Network, and could use some outside monetary support. Anyone interested in donating to help cover start up expenses can contact me.
From chestertonschoolsnetwork.org: “… Chesterton Schools Network inspires and supports new Catholic high schools across the nation, empowering parents as the primary and principal educators of their children. We deliver a turn-key academic and operational model that speeds the launch of affordable, classical, joyfully Catholic high schools and helps ensure sustainability and success. Through a partnership between the laity and the clergy, we aim to launch hundreds of schools …ushering in a new era of growth and vitality in Catholic high school education.”
“Happy Christmas.” I love this story! As reported by Fox News:
“First lady Jill Biden was shouted down by children for wishing ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of Christmas, sparking laughter and joy from commentators online.
“On Friday, the first lady hosted the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign at the White House. She greeted everyone with ‘Happy Holidays,’ to which multiple children shouted back with emphasis, ‘Happy Christmas!’
‘Happy Christmas,’ Biden replied. ‘Yes!’…”
A Compliment to Kids and Parents. At the 1pm Mass a few weeks ago there was a bat flying around in the church. Here’s part of an email complimenting the behavior of the children during this challenging situation. I join in the writer’s praise.
“We were in the back of the church surrounded by little kids (around preschool to early elementary school). Every one of them visibly wanted to yell out with excitement at the bat, but held it in. Some of them were visibly shaking with excitement or covering their mouths to keep it in…My friend sitting in the cry room wing said the same thing about the kids in that area….
“The children were so miraculously well behaved with such an exciting incident above their heads. As a former parent of naughty little boys, and a parishioner who enjoys seeing young families at Mass, I think it would be very encouraging for the kids and the parents to hear a public compliment of the kids’ reverence, either at Mass or in the bulletin. The good behavior of the little kids was truly amazing.”
Benedict XVI. An excerpt from an Angelus Address in 2010:
“Every one of us…especially in this Season which prepares us for Christmas, can ask himself: What am I waiting for? What, at this moment of my life, does my heart long for? …In the time before Jesus’ birth the expectation of the Messiah was very strong in Israel – that is, the expectation of an Anointed one, a descendent of King David, who would at last set the people free from every form of moral and political slavery and find the Kingdom of God. ….In [Mary’s] heart the expectation of the Savior was so great, her faith and hope were so ardent, that he was able to find in her a worthy mother. Moreover, God himself had prepared her before time. There is a mysterious correspondence between the waiting of God and that of Mary, the creature “full of grace,” totally transparent to the loving plan of the Most High. Let us learn from her, the Woman of Advent, how to live our daily actions with a new spirit, with the feeling of profound expectation that only the coming of God can fulfil.”
Oremus pro invicem. Fr. De Celles