It always amazes me how weather forecasters can predict winter storms like the one we had last weekend. These learned professionals alert us to the day and time of the arrival of the storm, tell us how windy it will get, and then astonish us in predicting, with great accuracy, the number of inches of snow we may receive. The forecasters are worth their weight in gold in helping us prepare for what will come.

We prepare by adding windshield washing fluid to our cars, filling our snow blowers with gas, buying groceries ahead of time, planning for limited travel, as well as reaching out to help those who may not have the capability to weather the storm.

If we apply so much energy to weather events that last only a short time, shouldn’t we reflect on making similar preparations for facing our loving Lord at the end of our lifetime? Such preparations are made for one’s eternity, not just for the short span of a day or two as with adverse weather.

Let’s make such preparation a priority this Advent. Let’s head to the confessional. Let’s make a planned effort to thank God each day at a special time for all He does for us.

Let’s reach out to help someone in need.

Doing so will make our Advent one well-lived.



May God give each of us this grace.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek