News for Catholic living from the Diocese of Little Rock

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Dec. 10, 2021

Jose Luis Hernandez and Jetzy Rivera portray Joseph and Mary during a 2017 Las Posadas at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Little Rock. (Photo courtesy Maria Luna)

Finding a place for Jesus

Las Posadas,, which means "The Inns," is celebrated in several Latin American countries and is popular in Arkansas. The nine-night novena begins Dec. 16 and runs through Christmas Eve. The tradition is a reenactment of Joseph and Mary searching for a place for Mary to give birth to Jesus and teaches younger generations the importance of prayer.

JUST ONE MINUTE

As we continue our pilgrimage through Advent, here is a Scripture for our meditation: “On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain., he will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces...” (Isaiah 25:6-8). This beautiful passage calls to mind God’s great abundance and generosity. God provides food for daily life in the Eucharist. Jesus destroys the power of death’s effect on us through the gift of baptism. He destroys the power of sin and wipes away our tears in the sacrament of reconciliation. It is an ancient practice to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation during Advent.

Reflection: Today, add to your calendar a time to receive and experience God’s great gift of love and mercy.

— Deacon Danny Hartnedy

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 12

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron of Mexico, the United States and all of the Americas, as well as the protector of unborn children. In 1531, she appeared to Juan Diego, near Mexico City, and charged him with asking the bishop to build a church on that spot. But the bishop demanded a sign, so Our Lady had Juan gather flowers in his cloak to take to the bishop. When he unfurled his cloak, the colorful image of Our Lady was emblazoned on it.

DAVE SAYS

New Year's resolutions

I thought I was going to get control of my money and make a lot of other positive changes in my life this year, but very few of the things I wanted to accomplish happened. Can you give me some advice for making and sticking to my resolutions in 2022?
Set goals and be accountable

WHAT'S NEW?

Subiaco Abbey's craft soaps

In addition to peanut brittle, hot sauce and beer, the monks at Subiaco Abbey are selling 12 varieties of hand-made soap in the store at the abbey and online. Brother André Bedore says they make great Christmas gifts for family and friends.

DECEMBER DATEBOOK

12: Subiaco Academy Christmas Concert, Subiaco
14: Calix Society of Central Arkansas Meeting, Little Rock
19: Youth Advisory Council Meeting, Little Rock
24-25: Christmas Collection for senior and infirm priests
25: Nativity of the Lord

QUOTE UNQUOTE

"Don't be afraid because Jesus likes reality as it is, undisguised; the Lord does not like people who cover their soul, their heart with makeup."

— Pope Francis, Dec. 8, on a visit to a community in Rome that helps young adults marginalized and in crisis to close the Year of St. Joseph.

December aSpirations

• ASU football leadership embraces faith
• Christmas Collection for Clergy Welfare Fund
• A Catholic you want to know: Beau Baldwin

Thanks for reading aSpire. Craving more? Take a nibble on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; get some depth on the Arkansas Catholic website. And for a heaping helping, subscribe to Arkansas Catholic. Oh, and forward this issue to share!

Have a news tip? Please contact me.
Your humble editor,
Malea Hargett
Arkansas Catholic

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