"The crowds asked John the Baptist, 'What should we do?'  He said to them in reply, 'Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  And whoever has food should do likewise.'  Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
 'Teacher, what should we do?'  He answered them, 'Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.'  Soldiers also asked him, 'And what is it that we should do?'  He told them, 'Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.'"   
(Luke 3: 10 - 14)                                                                       
     "What should we do?"  That is a very good question, and St. John the Baptist and St. Paul give good answers.  St. John tells people, then and now, to put the Gospel into action: share with those in need, do not be greedy or dishonest, and never abuse your position or power.  St. Paul speaks to us as well, instructing us on "What to do" and on the blessings that come from doing it: "Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice!  Your kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 4 - 7)  Note how St. Paul develops his guidance to us.  First, "Rejoice in the Lord," because of the immeasurable love and mercy He has for us.  Next, "Your kindness should be known by all," meaning that as a result of God's limitless mercy and kindness to us, we in turn are inspired and strengthened to be kind to others.  Finally, be people of prayer and experience the peace that comes from God: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."   
     Building on St. John the Baptist and St. Paul, if asked "What should we do" I would answer, "Keep Calm and Get to Mass!"  In a world where so many people are anxious, angry, and often depressed, at Mass "the Lord is near" and He is "the fount of all holiness."  Throughout the Mass we pray for the "Church, spread throughout the world' that she may experience 'the fullness of charity."  In addition we ask God to "advance the peace and salvation of all the world."  Last, but not least, we pray for "our departed brothers and sisters and for all who were pleasing to God at their passing from this life."  Simply put, every time we go to Mass we are praying for ourselves, those we love, for the entire Church, for peace in our world, and for all the faithful departed.  We are opening our hearts and minds to Christ and His peace.  During these coming weeks as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year, think about the key question, "What are we to do?"   Take the time to prepare for Mass so as to experience the full treasure of blessings it offers.  Seek the Lord, welcome Him into your heart and home.  With the grace of God we will be ready for whatever comes our way.  Remember, every day and every week, make the choice for Christ, for grace, and for His Kingdom! 
    Know that you are always welcome at St. Gabes.  God Bless!               
     -  Fr. Francis P. Foley 

A Prophet's Prayer of Thanksgiving 
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  And you will say in that day: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.’ Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.  Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
     - (Isaiah 12: 2 - 6)
 
A Prayer at the Start of the Mass
     "O Almighty and eternal God, I humbly beseech You mercifully to give ear to the prayers here offered You by Your servant in the name of Your whole Church, and in behalf of us Your people.  Accept them to the honor of Your name, and the good of our souls; and grant to all of us mercy, grace, and salvation. Through Christ, our Lord.  Amen!"  
  -  (From St. Basil's Hymn Book, 1906 edition)
 
The Second Coming of Christ
     "We preach not one coming only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the first.  The first revealed the meaning of His patient endurance; the second brings with it the crown of the Divine Kingdom… In His first coming He was wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger.  In His second coming He is clothed with light as with a garment.  In His first coming He bore the cross, despising its shame; He will come a second time in glory accompanied by the hosts of angels... The Savior will come not to be judged again but to call to judgment those who called Him to judgment.  He who was silent when He was first judged, will indict the malefactors who dared to perpetrate the outrage of the cross, and say, 'These things you did and I was silent.'"
-        (From the Catecheses of St. Cyril of Jerusalem)