Church of the
Annunciation

7580 Clinton Street
Elma, New York 14059

716.683.5254

November 29, 2020

1st Sunday of Advent

Jesus tells his disciples, “Be watchful. Be alert.” But we are weary of watching for something we cannot even see that threatens our way of life. At first the danger was distant coming from China, then Europe, from Italy and then NYC. Now it is close to home. WNY is in the Orange Zone. Covid-19 is an existential threat to our health, to the economy, to society and to freedom. We are tired of being sentinels.    

Isaiah cries out to God, “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down…would that you might meet us doing right.” The Jews have returned to Jerusalem after being exiled in Babylon for 70 years. They find the city in ruins and the temple of Solomon destroyed. They are exhausted and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task of rebuilding the place that had been their home. They appeal to God creator, “O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” We too appeal to God to draw closer and form us as people of faith.    

As we support one another by saying, “take care, keep safe,” St. Paul greets the Corinthians, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” St. Paul reassures the community that they are not lacking in any spiritual gift as they await the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. We too are endowed with all the gifts that we need to cope with this crisis.  

Jesus tells his disciples to “be watchful” near the end of his public ministry. It will come to an end with his arrest, crucifixion, and death on the cross. Their world will be shattered, and their faith shaken. Jesus wants his disciples to be mindful of his teaching and open to the promise of resurrection and new life.  

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, our Apostolic Administrator, has sent a Pastoral Letter to all registered households in the Diocese. He writes: “The Church is born in the shadow of the Cross. What appears at first appears to be the end is only the beginning. We come to such points in our lives when old ways seem to collapse. We may feel at a dead end, that our best hopes and expectations have been defeated. There and then the Lord encounters us, only to open another door – the door to his heart and to a new life of hope in him… If we enter the heart of Jesus with trust, we will have life to the full.

Amid a pandemic, dealing with abuse, and facing bankruptcy and lawsuits, the Bishop is inviting the Diocese to embark on spiritual journey, Road to Renewal, of listening, prayer, healing, and forgiveness. Our parish survey is a listening tool that highlights areas of celebration and opportunities for growth. You can be part of a focus group as we plan our response going forward. Next weekend Deacon Jim Jaworski will be preaching and Larry Zielinski, Chair of Finance Council, will give the annual fiscal report.  

Advent begins with Jesus telling us to “Be watchful. Be alert.” During this season of darkness and light, Jesus is opening another door for us to his heart and a new life of hope in him.

 

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Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe

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