Advent Reflections (Week 1) – by Fr. Bob Warren, S.A.

As we enter the season of Advent, the prophet Isaiah says to God, “Would that You might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of You in our ways.” In other words, wouldn’t it be nice if God saw us doing good things? And before we act, that we would think of what God would like us to do in any situation? We can put that into practice in today’s conversations, tonight’s meal, or our attitude while driving…” Would that You might meet us doing right,” that we are mindful of our ways.

As we begin our preparation for the birth of the Prince of Peace, it may be a good time to ask ourselves a few questions: What wars have you ended in your own backyard? What mines of envy or hate, of discord or dislike, have you diffused? Who hurts less because you love more? Or who hurts more because you love less? Who was depressed, but has come alive at your touch? Who is hungry for food or affection, and is fed by your faith? Who experiences God’s absence, and finds the image of God in your face?

The night that Christ was born, the Angels sang, “Peace on Earth.” And 2,000 years later there is still so much violence in the world. We find peace in our relationship with God. As St. Paul says, “Christ is our peace.”

We find peace by nurturing relationships with God and those around us. It is an old, worn sentiment we have heard many times; I paraphrase, but it is still true…If there is to be a peace on earth, or in school, work, family or church, it has to begin with me.

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9 thoughts on “Fr. Bob’s Thoughts for the First Week of Advent

  1. Despite my fall last week, I am in better spirits. God must have been watching me when I fell cause my wounds are reasonable. In fact, for the past 3 weeks my relations hip with my wife has improved. good, good all round.

  2. “Peace on earth, let it begin with me”. Should be on everyone’s mind and heart.
    Thank you for your comforting words. 🙏

  3. Father we lost our home of 40 years on sanibel island to hurricane IAN 2 months ago today everything from birth is gone we have very little and ask for prayers

  4. I LOVE that your weekly reflections can be acquired through audio segments on my emails. I listen to them often while I walk in a wooded area secluded and alone.

  5. Very uplifting and inspiring! Reminded me of the spiritual in all that I think, do, and say!

  6. Dear Father Bob, Thank you so much for your Advent Reflection (Week 1). I pray to stay mindful of how I live each moment for Christ and give this peace of Christ to everyone I know and encounter everyday. I pray for all your intentions and for the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, and all Friends in Christ for every healing and peace.

  7. Dear Father Bob,

    Your thoughts translated into such beautiful reflections have been so inspiring to me, and, I hope to many others. I look forward each week to your homilies on the Sunday gospel, whether I get to read them that week or several weeks later. They are personally and universally meaningful. I can relate many times to the connections you make to literature, movies, songs and personal anecdotes. Now, I look forward to your Advent reflections. Many thanks for peaceful moments in such chaotic times.
    Many thanks and God Bless you,

    Maria S.

  8. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO PRAY FOR ME TO QUIT SMOKING ONE OR TWO A DAY CAN NOT HAVE ONE A DAY IT DOES NOT WORK

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