Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I get cranky when I watch TV—ads ads ads every 5 minutes. Lest you feel concerned about my entertainment well-being, not to worry. We watch things streaming or on CD. But back to the ads—some of which are TRULY obnoxious and sometimes offensive to me. Especially around Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, it’s all about buying more, getting more, finding more. (They don’t usually mention paying more, of course.) And as the weeks go on, they get more and more strident and demanding.
Although I’m not watching them on TV, every time I go to my post office box to pick up the mail, there are stacks of ads and catalogs. Most of which I never requested and wouldn’t buy from anyway. They even track me down at home and invade my door through an old mail slot.
Make no mistake. I like getting presents and REALLY like giving presents. Best of all when I’ve found something especially nice for someone! I have possessions that I’m fond of—usually because they have come from someone I care for, or because they make it more fun to accomplish my tasks. But at this time of the year, as we are told we should want more and expect more, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Nothing at all wrong with having things. We need them if we’re going to live in the world. The challenge is when we’re brainwashed into believing that THINGS are the important treasures of our lives, and we forget to balance the things we like with the REAL treasures: Faith, People, Kindness, Generosity to others. The kind of treasures that translate to eternal treasures-in-heaven.
Here’s an Advent challenge: next time you get fed up with the avalanche of commercials, junk mail and catalogs, ask yourselves, “Are these treasures? What are my treasures?” My great-grandmother’s bread board for one thing! A fountain pen used by an old friend. But even more, my spouse, my family, my friends, my parish. All the treasures that are the result of the Greatest Treasure of All—Christ’s love.
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our diocese, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- December 6-12, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza services, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- December 14: Stewardship Sunday, Food Bank Collection
- December 21: Giving Tree Families Arrive
- December 24: Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Christmas Day, 10:00 a.m.
- December 28: Lessons and Carols, with Eucharist, 9:00
- Wrapping Presents at Boscov’s Fundraiser: Dec. 12, 19, and 23 10-1pm. Contact Janice Clymer to volunteer imcraftyj@gmail.com.
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00