19 DECEMBER 2024
We have entered the Greater Ferias (weekdays) of Advent. Beginning on December 17 and ending on December 23, at the daily masses we hear the stories from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke that lead to the birth of Jesus. If you are fortunate to attend these daily masses, you will be thoroughly prepared for Christmas.
It has been a busy week at the parish. Volunteers put up the Christmas tree in the church on Tuesday, and on Wednesday five of us traveled to Kapolei for the Christmas party at Responsive Caregivers. It was a festive event, and the participants were incredibly appreciative of the gifts they received from St. Mark's. Thank you again to everyone who purchased gifts.
It was impressive to see the work that Responsive Caregivers is doing. The party was well-organized, and it was clear that the participants enjoy their time at the facility. The staff are very attentive to the needs of the clients, and it was a joy to visit with the staff, volunteers, and clients. The need is great for such programs, as they have an extensive waiting list.
Wednesday was also our final Advent evening of Eucharistic Adoration followed by the mass. Taking time for stillness and silence before the Eucharistic presence of our Lord is a countercultural act during the days leading to Christmas. The holiday preparations bring an increased freneticism in our society, so making the time to be still and quiet in the church is a luxury. Our world makes it difficult for us to be silent in the presence of God, so it becomes necessary that we intentionally tame our minds and hearts so that God is granted the space to speak to us. Even when in the church there are distractions, such as the flatulent exhaust pipes of motorcycles, along with the bass-blasting cars on Kapahulu, trying to obstruct our stillness. Whether it is the noise pollution of the world, or whether it is the consumerism of secular Christmas, there is much to aggravate and annoy people during this time.
People often secretly share with me how they dread the family gatherings they are required to attend at Christmas. They lament the noisiness of the holiday parties, and they find the conversations with extended family to be laborious, as they pretend to be interested in what people are saying. A few years ago one person shared with me that they look forward to December 26 when they can promptly take down their Christmas tree and put the holidays to rest!
For those who are being afflicted by the discord of secular Christmas, or by the over-bearing requirements of family, I recommend spending time communing with God this season. Celebrate an authentic Christmas by attending worship. Come and be filled with the peace of the newborn Christ, and then take that peace into the world wherever it is needed. The church has a wonderful array of masses and offices planned for the Twelve Days of Christmas. St. Mark's is here for you during this time. Let the liturgies of the church minister to you, and discover the peace of an authentic Christmas, filled with grace by the Child of Bethlehem.
Father Paul Lillie +
