Jesse Tree: 2nd Monday- Moses, God's Leadership

2nd Monday of Advent
Moses, God's Leadership

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

The symbol of the burning bush is placed on the Jesse Tree today. The burning bush reminds us of the story of Moses' birth, youth, and call to leadership.

The story of Moses is probably one of the best known scriptural stories. Joseph and his brothers' descendants in Egypt have become slaves. Pharaoh  sentences all first born Hebrews to death, and Moses' mother saves him by placing him in a basket in the river where Pharaoh's daughter will find and raise him. After growing up in Egypt, Moses has a confrontation that ends in his murdering the other man. He flees to Midian and begins a new life.

One day as Moses is tending his father-in-law's sheep when God speaks to him from the burning bush. He calls Moses to return to Egypt and free his people. Moses does not want this task, and he tries desperately to change God's mind. God continues to call Moses to be a leader and free the Hebrew people. He gives Moses signs and help to begin his work.

Today, spend some time in silence. Quiet your heart and mind and be open to God's call. Where is God leading you at this time? Set aside your worries and fears. If God is calling, he will provide all you need to do His will. Moses is our best example of God not calling the qualified, but rather qualifying the called. Open your heart to hear and accept that call.

Today's Focus: Moses and God's Leadership
Symbol: The burning bush
Scripture: Exodus 2:1 through 4:20

Yesterday's Focus: Joseph
Tomorrow's Focus: The Israelites, Passover and Exodus

Jesse Tree: 2nd Sunday- Joseph

2nd Sunday of Advent
Joseph

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

Today's focus is Joseph and God's Providence. There are two appropriate symbols, the sack of grain, or the multicolored coat.

Joseph was gifted with visions and the ability to interpret the dreams of others. He remained steadfast to the will of God, choosing to do the right thing, even when it was difficult. Time and time again those closest to Joseph are jealous of him, and cause him harm when he will not turn away from the right path. His brothers beat him and sell him into slavery, then his master's wife lies and accuses him of seducing her when he rejects her advances. Both times God makes sure that good comes from Joseph's suffering, and that Joseph's side of the story comes to light.

The story of Joseph inspires us to faithfulness, even when everything seems to be working against us. God will provide, and He can make beauty and good out of even the worst situations if we remain faithful and allow Him to work through us.

Today, call to mind your most frustrating or painful situation. Look for the goodness that has or still might grow from it. How have you grown? What opportunities do you have in this situation? How can you remain positive and focused on God in light of this struggle?

Today's Focus: Joseph
Symbol: Sack of grain, or the Coat of many colors
Scripture: Genesis 37, 39:1-50

Yesterday's Focus: Jacob
Tomorrow's Focus: Moses and God's leadership

Jesse Tree: 1st Saturday- Jacob

1st Saturday of Advent
Jacob

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

Today we place the symbol of Jacob's ladder onthe Jesse tree. This image reminds us of Jacob's vision of heaven and his relationship with God.

After usurping his brother's birthright, Jacob flees into Canaan to escape Esau's anger. He tricked his father and wronged his brother, and yet God did not abandon him. Jacob chooses to sleep at a shrine, and in a dream sees a ladder reaching up to Heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God reiterates the promise made to Abraham when he tells Jacob that he will be the father of a great nation. God tells Jacob that He will protect him always. Jacob wakes, amazed and says that if God truly protects him and provides for his needs until he returns to Isaac, he will worship God as the Lord.

Think about times that you have placed conditions on God, or times you have attempted to bribe God with good deeds or changes if He will just do as you ask. Recall also times you have placed conditions on your love for your family and friends. Remember that true love and faith do not come with strings attached. Recommit to selfless love of God and others.

Today's Focus: Jacob
Symbol: Ladder
Scripture: Genesis 27:41-28:22 

Yesterday's Focus: Isaac and the Offering
Tomorrow's Focus: Joseph

Jesse Tree: 1st Friday- Isaac and the Offering

1st Friday of Advent
Isaac and the Offering

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

The image of the ram is placed on the Jesse Tree today. The ram is symbolic of the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac. We see on this branch of the family tree a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus. Genesis 22:12 the messenger of God relates,  "...I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son."

God tests Abraham's faith one last time in asking him to sacrifice his son, the child he waited so long to have. Abraham is willing to make this sacrifice in pure trust and loving obedience to God. However, God stops Abraham at the crucial moment and provides a ram to be sacrificed instead.

God sent his own beloved son as a sacrifice for our sins. We see in Abraham a human reflection of a father's willingness to give up what he loves for the good of all. The pain and grief this must have caused Abraham is unknowable. Isaac too trusted his father implicitly. While he questioned what his father wanted, he did not refuse. This too foreshadows Jesus' willingness to die for us as his Father requested.

Today, make a small sacrifice of love for someone else. Perhaps you can skip a purchase for yourself and give the money to someone who needs it. Maybe you can do a task lovingly and openly around the house for someone else. Consider letting go of a grudge or hurt on your heart.

Today's Focus: Isaac and the Offering
Symbol: The ram
Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19

Yesterday's Focus: Abraham and the Promise
Tomorrow's Focus: Jacob

Jesse Tree: 1st Thursday- Abraham and the Promise

First Thursday of Advent
Abraham and the Promise

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

The Jesse Tree symbol of the stars reminds us of God's covenant with Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars.

The story of Abraham is about God's call. Abram and his wife Sarai were called, not in their youth, but in their old age. God asked them to leave their community and their land, all that they knew. He promised that even though they had no children, Abram, renamed Abraham, would father a nation. Abraham and Sarah followed this call, praising God at each stop, even though the fulfillment of the promise with the birth of Isaac took long to manifest.

We know from the Bible that Abraham was not perfect, and made mistakes. But his confidence in God's plan and his faithful following of the call is an inspiration. What a terrifying prospect, to leave all home and comfort at the age of seventy-five, and begin an adventure for God!

Today, think on your vocation, and what God might be calling you to. Say a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to walk with God and enjoy the fruits of that relationship and calling. Brainstorm ways to live your calling more fully, or set aside time to listen for God's voice calling you to do His work.

Today's Focus: Abraham and the Promise
Symbol: Field of Stars
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-7, 15:1-6

Yesterday's Focus: Noah and the Flood
Tomorrow's Focus: The Offering of Isaac

December New Releases

December 2010

 
December New Releases

 

Remember Jesus Christ

What place does Christ have in modern society? Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, asked that question in a series of Advent & Lent meditations presented to Pope Benedict XVI. He argues that the church must become "fishers" of men before becoming "shepherds" of men. 

 

 

 

St. Joseph's Story

 
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the nativity through the lens of St. Joseph. Children will come to love & appreciate St. Joseph as they learn about his role in the story of Jesus' birth.
Ages 4-8. Makes a wonderful Advent or Christmas gift.

 

 

 

Advent:A Family Celebration

 
This book will delight both children &adults with its ability to relate Scripture & prayer to real life events. Each day's meditation, designed to be said after the lighting of the Advent wreath, features a Scripture passage based on the Mass readings. A reflection & prayer then relates the Bible passage to a story or event.

 

 

 

Ten Christmas Sheep

 
This charming board book takes children through the classic story of the Nativity. Along for the journey are 10 sheep, which children are encouraged to point out & number, strengthening their counting skills. Combine the real meaning of Christmas with a counting lesson & you've got the fun & engaging Ten Christmas Sheep!

 

 

Christmas Activity Book

 
This children's story & activity book tells the story of the birth of Jesus, & provides opportunities to engage the nativity of Christ hands-on… Ideal for children ages 5-8.

 

 

 

Bernadette

 
Young readers will enjoy the lovely watercolors and lively text, as they are introduced to the simple girl whose visions of a "beautiful Lady" resulted in the discovery of a miraculous spring.

 

 

The Illustrated Gospel for Children

 
In youthful yet tasteful comic-book style, Jesus comes alive for young readers with vibrant & expressive four-color illustrations & simple but engaging text. The moving story of the life, death & resurrection of Jesus is told in a way young readers will find both attractive & challenging.

 

 

John Mary Vianney

 
In this tenderly & colorfully illustrated story, children will learn how John Vianney heard his calling to the priesthood when as a young boy during the French Revolution he attended underground Masses with his devout family.

 

 

 

Infinite Bandwidth

 
The author navigates you faithfully through the digital world, encouraging frustrated parents not to throw out cell phones, ban the Internet, chuck computers, or pitch portable media devices. That would be a mistake & would be going against more than 7 decades of Catholic teaching.

 

 

Crossing the Goal:Playbook on the Our Father

 
Game plan for men to become godly through studying the Lord's Prayer. Coach Danny Abramowicz, Peter Herbeck, Curtis Martin, & Brian Patrick tackle the Our Father, word for word, & reveal how its astonishing wisdom can change your life.

 

 

 

Treasury of Traditional Christmas Carols CD 

In this daily Advent companion, members of the Daughters of St. Paul share their reflections & lead readers in lectio divina on the Scripture readings for the season.

Jesse Tree: 1st Wednesday- Noah and the Flood

First Wednesday of Advent
Noah and the Flood

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

The image of the ark is placed on the Jesse Tree today. We reflect on the story of Noah and the Ark, recalling the flood that destroyed the Earth, and the fresh start for all of creation that followed.

The story of the flood and the ark brings to mind the concept of stewardship for all living things. God commanded Noah to take two of every living thing into the ark and care for them during the flood. Noah and his family tended to all of the creatures and living things of the Earth, until they could be released back into the world when the waters dried up. Perhaps we can see in the story of Noah, a parallel of our responsibility to be faithful stewards of the Earth on our journey to the Kingdom.

Today, as we recall the Flood, think about water in all of its forms. Water brings life, but disasters such as floods and hurricanes also show the destructive power of water. Water cleanses and renews. It is a symbol of our baptism, and a foundation for life. Today, pray for those people and animals who do not have access to clean or adequate water.

Today's focus: Noah and the Flood
Symbol: The Ark
Scripture: Gen. 6-11, 7:17-8:12, 8:20-9:17

Yesterday's Focus: Adam and Eve, The First Sin
Tomorrow's Focus: Abraham, The Promise