O God, come to my assistance

     With those words we begin the prayer of the Church.  Before we begin anything we need to call upon the Lord and seek his help.  It is especially true as we realize our limitations and the hurdles that our sinfulness and hardness of heart places before us.  They are the potholes on the road that make the going rough, the speed bumps that slow us down when we are in a hurry, the detours that challenge our skills at getting to our destination. 
    
     This season of Advent has us hastening toward a deeper understanding of and trust in the Lord Jesus.  There is an anxiousness in deepening our relationship with Christ.  The obstacles and impediments are frustrating at best and discouraging.  The collect today asks the Lord to stir up his power and help us, "that what our sins impede the grace of your mercy may hasten".  O God, come to our assistance today and always as we desire to "love the things of heaven".

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Last evening I helped with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Mt. Pleasant Churches as their youngsters experienced the mercy of God for the first time sacramentally.  It was, as usual, an awesome experience of grace.  As a priest, we have many important roles and moving experiences of prayer.  These, with the little ones, are always a joy.  Our parish will gather next Monday to celebrate.  Pray for us.