Glimpses of God's Goodness are published for all Sundays and Feast Days at www.sndden.org, the international website of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
December 1, 2024
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
As we begin this new liturgical year, we move into Cycle C, fresh from the celebration of the feast of “Christ, the King.” On this feast, we were reminded of just how worthy this Christ of ours is, to receive our praise and thanksgiving!
This year we come to the end of November, having just elected a new President whom we suspect will make major changes in the direction of our country. Some of these changes will be welcomed by some among us, some others of us may find these changes discouraging. Whatever our anticipation may be, our God promises us again this Advent, to be Emmanuel, God with us. With this good God’s grace and love, it will be up to each one of us, during this holy season just now beginning, to enflesh the values of God’s Kingdom, values of justice, kindness, compassion, concern for the poor and the strangers among us, patience, truthfulness, integrity, etc. in the days that lie ahead.
To prepare for that, to beg for these graces, this season of Advent, 2024 provides us with a space and a time to acknowledge our need for wisdom and strength and a vision of the Kingdom that is God-given, not created by political orientation, whatever that may be. During these days we can pray “to You, O Lord, we lift our souls. Your ways make known to us; teach us Your paths, guide us in Your truth and teach us…” as we wait in the silence of winter …as we wait in the silence of hope… as we pray as a Church Universal, “COME, LORD JESUS, COME!”
A question that is often asked at this time of the year, especially of children, is one of my favorite questions for myself during Advent: “What do you want for Christmas?” It reminds me of the question that Jesus asked Bartimaeus in the Gospel, “What do you want me to do for you?” I believe our Incomprehensible God of Love asks each one of us that question during these days of Advent. Now may just be the time to drop down deeply into the depths of our souls and ask our God for what our world, our country, our families and friends, all of creation and we ourselves truly long for this Christmas of 2024. “COME, LORD JESUS! COME!” Amen.
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Sister Ginny Scally was educated by the Sisters of Notre Dame in her home parish of St. Gregory’s in Dorchester, Massachusetts. She joined them after graduating from high school. Like most SND’s, her professional life began as a teacher in an elementary setting. Because of her involvement in the parish religious education programs in those early years, she also was influenced by the spiritual needs and hungers of the laity she met. As a result of those encounters, she chose to pursue graduate studies in Theology with an emphasis on Scripture and Spirituality. She was a Pastoral Administrator in priestless parishes (Read “pastoring person!) in the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan for over 20 years, completed a hospital chaplain’s residency and served as the Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services at the North Shore Medical Center in Salem, Massachusetts. Ginny is now serving as one of the five members of the Sisters of Notre Dame East West Province Leadership Team.”