Introduction

Dear Friends,

What a compelling invitation we receive this year as our Advent journey begins! “Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain to the house of the God of Jacob!” The prophet Isaiah calls us once again into the mystery of the Incarnation of our God. This journey will take us from darkness to light, from fear to trust, and from uncertainty into lasting peace.

I can hardly wait for the Isaiah passage that we will hear on the Second Sunday of Advent in Cycle A this year. The “peaceable kingdom” will come about – it is possible, and we can help to make it happen!

Let’s commit ourselves to savor every moment of this Advent quest for peace. May the days that lead us to Christmas, and ultimately to the Epiphany of the Christ, be a joyful reflection on God’s presence in our world, both in history, and also in the present moment, here and now, in the everyday moments of our lives.

The reflections on the following pages come from the many friends of Holy Family who worship and pray together throughout the year in the Retreat Center Chapel, and those at home joining through the online masses. These individuals and families represent many walks of life and age groups, and they bring to us a deep sense of faith in the goodness of God.

We must thank our Reflection Book “team”: Caelie Flanagan, Cathy Koplar, Noel Terranova, and Eric Melanson, for their enormous investment of time in organizing the scripture readings, as well as editing the reflections. So much effort went into this process. Thanks to all of you!

Hopefully, amid the swirl of activity during the holiday season, these pages will offer us opportunities to see where God is alive and active in our lives, and to find moments to be thankful for this mystery of God abiding among us as our companion and friend.

Peaceful Advent and Christmas days to all of you!
Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P.