Simbang Gabi

Last night at church, we were able to join in on the beautifully artistic celebration of Simbang Gabi which means a mass at dawn.  This is a Filipino custom that is celebrated in the Philippines at 4am before the sun rises and heats up the land.  Farmers travel for miles to join this mass and carry these beautiful lanterns to help light the way.  The Simbang Gabi mass is a nine day novena to the Blessed Mother that starts on Dec. 16th and ends on Dec. 24th.

Ours was not done at 4am but during the 5pm Vigil Mass with so many gorgeous colorful lanterns on display and the ladies dressed in beautiful yellow and red dresses.  Part of the mass was said in Filipino and part in English.  The children were dressed with one Mary and Joseph; and the rest were angels in a procession throughout the church with a Filipino Music Group singing songs in their native language.  Absolutely beautiful!

Following the mass, we went to our gym where we feasted upon Filipino cuisine with Filipino live music as our entertainment.   It was a special evening for all that felt as if we were transported for an evening to the Philippines!  To learn more about Simbang Gabi Mass you can go here.

Advent Blessings to all,
Noreen

The Invitation to Come And Follow

I wrote this brief reflection as part of my Advent Reflections last year on the Feast of St Andrew. I thought I would reprint it here this year to commemorate the feast of this Apostle this year.

The Invitation
John the Baptist pointed Andrew in the direction of the Messiah. Andrew went, found Jesus and responded to His call and invitation to "Come and follow me."
We too have been called and invited by Jesus. How can we answer and accept this invitation? Andrew's acceptance led him to the cross, quite literally. Our acceptance will lead us there as well in the particular way Jesus has chosen for each of us.
Jesus came into this world to save us. His becoming a man sanctifies our humanity.
Let us ask St Andrew to intercede for us and help us to answer the call and invitation of Christ to Come and follow, just as he did.

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Through the intercession of St Andrew, may we have the courage to hear your call and accept your invitation to come and follow You. May we never be afraid to proclaim You no matter the cost. May our preparations this Advent draw us closer to You.
Amen.