 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife” Matthew 1:18-24.
 Advent is the season of Our Lady. During the first Advent, Mary carried the Christ-child next to her heart and waited in joyful expectation for His birth.
 “We know that the coming of the Lord is threefold… The first coming was in flesh and weakness, the middle coming is in spirit and power, and the final coming will be in glory and majesty.” - St. Bernard of Clairvaux on the Season of Advent
 As we near the end of Advent, Holy Mother Church once again gives us the beautiful and beloved "O" Antiphons. At every Vespers (Evening Prayer), an antiphon is prayed before and after the Canticle of Mary which changes throughout the year according to the season and day. In the seven days leading up to Christmas, these antiphons are particularly unique and profound. Each antiphon begins by addressing Our Lord by a different title, referencing a way that His coming fulfills both the Old Testament prophecies and our present needs. They all begin with the word "O" and then continue with the title and text of the day, such as in the first: "O Wisdom of our God Most High..."
 Over Thanksgiving weekend, our Sisters had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful autumn weather in Santa Rosa. Some Sisters went on hikes while others played ultimate frisbee. On one of our hikes to the top of a nearby ridge, a Sister noted how much better food tastes on the top of a mountain. And it’s true! Hunger – whether induced by a vigorous hike, a competitive game of ultimate frisbee, or a busy day teaching grade-schoolers – is the best seasoning to the hearty meals Sister Cook provides in the convent.
 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God! Throughout the ages, the Divine Author has woven together history and culture into an enriching and fascinating tapestry that, when studied, shows the Love of our Good God.
One can see the ways in which Fallen Man expressed his yearning for His Maker, and that same Providential God’s ordering of human events in such a way as best served His one aim: Man’s salvation. One sees as well as the lengths He will go to, to show Himself a Loving Lord—coming to us in the manner in which we—as individuals and as a whole—will be most impacted by His Presence.  Rorate, caeli, desuper et nubes pluant justum: aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem. Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior. - Introit: Ember Wednesday in Advent With a spirit of joy lingering from Gaudate Sunday, the Church turns toward her first Ember Days of the liturgical year, where - with prayer and penance - she eagerly beseeches Heaven to send the promised Savior.
 Gaudete in Dominio semper: iterum dico, gaudete.
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: for the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in everything by prayer let your petitions be made known to God. - Introit: Gaudete Sunday |
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