Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared,
Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute sing.

In the Middle Eastern desert, where the Hebrew people wandered forty years, is a road. A strange phenomenon that travels report is the road seems to end suddenly just ahead but to resume a hundred feet later, only to disappear for some distance once again. The constant wind that blows sand over the surface hides and then reveals the path again.

Confrontations and discouraging instances are no surprise for Jesus. He faced many such encounters. In the time of the gospels, the Pharisees would revel in the chance to point out the ways that others were wrong, unworthy, or not ‘measuring up.’ But notice that Jesus never joins in with that approach, rather He dismisses the Pharisees for it and instead, loves the ones who have been beaten down by life. Rather than condemn and criticize, how can we encourage and build one another up? We should recognize when we might have “Pharisee” moments when our approach might be harsh or without understanding. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” (A quote from Fr. John’s mentor). These unseen battles are very real, whether they are battles of guilt, shame, neglect, abandonment, fear or woundedness. We share in some of these battles whether or not we are aware. And so coming to mass, the welcome and receiving of one another in love can bring about the encouragement and affirmation that we all need in the unity of Christ’s love for us. During this advent, let us focus on kindness in all of the ways it can bless our lives.

Rev. John Ehrich, STL, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Phoenix in 2000.He earned his M.A. from St. Meinrad Seminary in 1998 and his MDiv in 2000.After five years of parish ministry, he studied at the Accademia Alfonsiana inRome where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Moral Theology) in2007. Fr. Ehrich currently serves at St. Thomas More in Glendale.

For God has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, all ages to come shall call her blessed.

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary in the womb of her mother Anne. There is no specific information about Anne and Joachim in the Scriptures. The Protoevangelium of James, described her father as a wealthy member of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These writings are not considered authoritative, but give us a glimpse of traditional beliefs about Anne and Joachim and their beloved daughter, Mary. They were both deeply grieved by their childlessness. They dedicated their lives in the temple trusting God would hear their prayer. Soon an angel revealed to Anne that her future child would be honored for all generations. Not knowing what that meant, they trusted that as God blessed Sarah and Abraham, they too would know the meaning of the angel’s words to Anne. They are greatly honored in the Eastern Catholic Churches, which celebrate their feast on September 9. Anne is known as the protector of woman in labor.

It’s Christmas time! Let the shopping and holiday events begin. As Catholics, this time of year is especially important as a time for preparation on a spiritual level, but we can only do this preparation by actually allowing ourselves to slow down, hearing Gods call to peace. St Paul asks us to not settle for the worldly expectations that constantly surround us, to not be complacent but to be always awaiting the coming of Christ. 

Can we take the time to place ourselves in the face of Jesus? What words come to mind? What would it be like? Are we living like He really exists or is he an idea? Let us not forget how quickly this life goes and how this type of season that we are in now can bring our focus elsewhere. There are many opportunities to let God back in.  Through confession, honest prayer, and quality time with God, we can remove the “cobwebs” within our own spirituality. Let us live with an urgency that calls us back to our Lord. 

Rev. John Ehrich, STL, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Phoenix in 2000.He earned his M.A. from St. Meinrad Seminary in 1998 and his MDiv in 2000.After five years of parish ministry, he studied at the Accademia Alfonsiana inRome where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Moral Theology) in2007. Fr. Ehrich currently serves at St. Thomas More in Glendale.