It’s tempting to think that the Blessed Virgin was somehow different from the rest of us—that she knew exactly what would happen in her life and never had to work through difficult periods. Yet, she did. And in her, we see how certain trials in our lives fit perfectly within the bigger picture of God’s work - and the graces that we obtained through them.

As we enter with hope to the threshold of the year 2019, and as a new year’s resolution, make it a habit to gather your family every Sunday (or every day of the week) and say this prayer together: “God, bless our family, make it like the family of your Son. / May our moments of sorrow give way to season of joy. / May our harsh words fade and be changed with loving touch. / May the tears of sorrow always be replaced by the music of laughter. / May the resentment be banished from our home and let forgiveness reign in our hearts today and forever.” Amen!

Many Catholics are familiar with the story of “the Visitation,” when Mary and Elizabeth met. But many don’t know why the scene of two expectant mothers greeting each other is so important. Apart from affirming Mary’s miraculous pregnancy, the scene also shows Mary’s service and humility as she travelled a long distance to assist her older relative Elizabeth. We should ask if we’re willing to go the extra mile – or several – to serve others.

Fourth SUNDAY of ADVENT! We’re now knocking at the door of heaven! Two New Testament great women, Mary and Elizabeth - filled with faith and love, made it possible for us to go this far.

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete, or Rejoice, Sunday—and all of the readings for this week invite us to do just that. This first reading from the prophet Zephaniah opens with a threefold call to joy, “Shout for joy… sing joyfully…. Be glad and exult with all your heart” (Zephaniah 3:14). Israel rejoiced in the presence of her saving God, but this joy can only be made complete in the coming of the Messiah.

Time travels so fast! It’s already the Third Sunday of Advent! Beginning today, there are 10 days, 240 hours and 14,400 minutes more to go before Christmas. We are getting closer to the doorstep of Christmas 2018. But how meaningful it will be if every single minute is dedicated to more loving, more forgiving and more giving!

Any experienced driver knows that a road that zig-zags takes longer than a straight path to get to a destination. The same is true spiritually, as we see in today’s reading. But the question is: why were the roads to God crooked in the first place?

Today, my prescription to all of you during the SEASON of ADVENT is this: “Take one REPENTANCE TABLET a day to drive temptation away!”