Entering into Advent: Joyful Receptivity

As we enter into this season of Advent together as a parish family, it seems timely to turn our focus to our core value of joyful receptivity.

I don’t know about you, but the normal stresses of everyday life, the constant news cycle full of pain, injustice and confusion, coupled with the societal pressures of the holiday season (Plan all the things! Do all the things! Buy all the things! And hurry!) have me feeling constantly on edge and anything but joyful or receptive. It feels easier and safer to close myself off, to harden my heart, and just keep moving forward.

This Advent Mary is inviting us to let her show us how to be joyfully receptive. "Slow down, be still,” she beckons, “Be open, pay attention. Wait and see what happens!"

In Mary’s Heart,

Megan