...He was born in the midst of beasts, so that we might turn from beasts who instinctively follow their passions, into rational and deified human beings.  And perhaps the most stirring of all, He was born in that lowly place knowing the fate that awaited Him at Golgotha.

 Our Lord knew that He was to lead a life of perpetual humiliation, one that was climaxed when the human race who He came to save, betrayed Him and nailed Him to the cross. 

What more could we possibly ask from a humble savior, Who was willing to come so far…and endure so much…out of his love for mankind....

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the banquet lies before us today.  It is not some superficial place that we will get to eventually after we pass away…it is here….it is now.  The Gospel today says:  “Come NOW, for all things are ready.” 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, remember…this…gospel lesson.  Read it over and over again.  Study the invite that has been given to you by the Holy Forefathers, Apostles, Saints, and Fathers of the Church. 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us strive this advent season not to be called a “fool” by our Lord.  Let us not be blinded by all of the noise in our lives, and instead focus on gaining clarity for what the Incarnation means for our lives.  If you have not already, practice a daily devotion to God, take a few minutes at the beginning and the end of your busy days to “let the glitter settle”, so that you able to see more clearly what your purpose is in this life. 

"...if one act of love from one person can have an affect on so many…imagine what one LIFE full of compassion…coming from an entire parish family…can do for the dangerous streets of the world with which we live in"