Dear Parish Family,

Not to long ago, there was a lady to was simply wiped out – tired, and exhausted.  Prayer is a very important part of her day.  Although there are the frequent prayers throughout the day, of “thank you God or please give me the patience,” that quiet restful time before bed is when she gets to, in depth prayer with God. On this particular night, thoughts didn’t seem to have any cohesive prayer.

Then she remembered – just ask!  God knows what is in your heart and mind. Tell Him how you feel (although He already knows), and He will give you rest. It works!! After a peaceful night of sleep, the world was a brighter place, and all was well!

We know from Mathew “The Lord is at hand, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, let your requests be known.” And Mark reiterates “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

As we pray the intercessions each time we attend Mass, we pray on behalf of others. Our faith in God ‘s presence is what gives us the vision that He will fulfill our prayer. What about when our prayer seemingly Is not answered?  We are told God answers, but perhaps not in the way we hoped. “Father Knows Best” was a television show of yesteryear, where father seem to have most of the answers. Our heavenly Father definitely knows best!  In Mathew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you, seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened for you.” Remembering this is the way to trust that He serves us in the perfect way.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we have the emphasis on the joyous anticipation of the Lord’s coming. Channel your child like anticipation of what the birth of our Lord means to the world and begin this week by asking God to fill our hearts with peace and gladness.

Mary Jo