Ask deacon mike

We just celebrated Thanksgiving. This Sunday we begin the Advent season. Christmas is right around the corner quickly followed by New Years. I thought I would try something a little different this month. Instead of answering your questions, I will ask you some questions about these topics. You don’t have to share your answers with anyone. But if you take the time to read this article then I assume you are the type who would spend a little time reflecting on the questions I am about to pose and then take some time to mull over some answers. There is no right or wrong answer. None of these questions is designed for a yes or no response. They will take some time and thought. I would not be surprised to find there are dozens of responses to each question. So sit back and get comfortable and read these questions and think about how YOU (and only you) will answer them. Perhaps you might want to answer them in a journal. Don’t try to answer them like they were Catechism questions. Answer them in a way that reflects the way you feel from your level of understanding and from your level of faith.

1. How does the coming of Jesus affect your life?

2. What do you fear most about the turn of another year? Why?

3. What do you look forward to most in the coming year? Why?

4. At Thanksgiving we give thanks for all of our blessings. How can you be a blessing to others?

5. At Christmas we pray for peace. What can you do to bring peace to yourself, your family and friends?

6. We cannot change what has happened. However, what can you do to make up for something you wish you had not done this past year?

7. Deep in your own heart do you ever hear Jesus speak to you? How and where did it happen? What did Jesus say?

8. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray from the depths of your heart what do you say to God?

9. If you could make a New Years resolution that you really wish you could keep what would it be?

10. If God were to call you from this life this next year, are you ready? What do you need to do?

The answers to these questions are yours and only yours. How you respond is between you and Our Lord. However, if you would like to share some insight from your answers with me I would like to hear from you. Perhaps I could put together a summary of responses in a future article. You can reach me the same way questions are sent to me: 1) Drop your questions in the collection basket, 2) Send them to me at the rectory or 3) Send me an e-mail to deaconmikefranks@comcast.net. As always, you are most welcome to send questions concerning the Church, sacraments or any other topic.

As we approach the holidays I want to extend my personal wishes for peace and closeness with the Christ Child to each of you. May 2008 bring an abundance of blessings to you and those whom you love. But most of all, may you see yourselves as God sees you. I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks.