Saturday December 4, 2021 Jesse Tree-Leah Isaiah 30:19-21 The prophet Isaiah promises that as soon as God hears your cry, he will answer, and you will be given all you need. Not necessarily what you want, but what you need. Leah, today’s Jesse Tree addition, Jacob’s unloved wife, found that to be true. She cried out […]
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I feel as though I am having a crisis of faith. Why is there so much ugliness in the world? Why won’t politicians act in the interest of the whole nation? Why won’t people get vaccinated? Why are guns everywhere and another school shooting no longer shocks us? I’m looking for sense in all of
Friday December 3, 2021 Jesse Tree-Jacob Isaiah 29:17-24 God refers to himself as the “God of the House of Jacob.” That should make us feel pretty good because Jacob, our ornament for today, was not the best person. He cheated his brother, Esau, out of Isaac’s blessing. He carried a grudge and finally got even with
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Thursday December 2, 2021 Jesse Tree-Isaac Matt 7:24-27 Jesus tells us to build our lives on a firm foundation—himself. We cannot be swept away in the tumult of the day if we cling firmly to our foundation of faith. Today we hang an ornament for Isaac. Isaac faced a monumental trial—death at the hand of his
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Wednesday December 1, 2021 Jesse Tree-Abraham and Sarah Isaiah 25:6-10a Isaiah promises that the Lord will remove reproach from his people and fill them with every rich thing—conquering death and bringing joy. In today’s Gospel, Jesus fills those following him with food for both the body and soul. Abraham and Sarah, our Jesse Tree ornaments for
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Loving and gracious Father, we thank you for this season of expectant delight, this season of joyful hope, this season set aside for our inner growth. As our Heavenly Potter, mold us into a people of hope, who mirror Your Son’s trust that You are always at work in the world. Enlighten our eyes to
Tuesday November 30, 2021 Jesse Tree-Noah Matt 4:18-22 Today is the feast of St. Andrew, one of the Twelve. Andrew was called to leave all he knew, get out of his boat, walk on dry land, and follow a new path. He was given no guarantees about what to expect. He trusted and followed. Our Jesse Tree
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My latest book will be out on February 5, 2022. It has been a long struggle to bring this project to completion. I have been working on it for over five years and it was rejected many times. Finally Pope Francis’ declaration of the Year of St Joseph prompted me to rewrite it. Now after
Monday November 29, 2021 Jesse Tree-Adam and Eve. Isaiah 2:1-5 We are invited to come to the Heavenly Jerusalem—the new Paradise. The way was temporarily lost, but a promise was made at the time of that loss, and now we rejoice as we go up the Lord’s Mountain. That promise to our ancestors articulated in Scripture
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Sunday November 28, 2021 Jesse Tree-Creation. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 Paul prays that we might increase in love for one another, to be ready for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Today we hang our first ornament on the Jesse tree to symbolize creation. Our increase in love for one another should also manifest itself in
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