THE SPIRITUALITY OF ADVENT

REFLECTIONS FROM THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW

BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF OUR GOD

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

7:00 to 8:30 PM

SAINT JOHN OF GOD CATHOLIC CHURCH

COLLINS HALL

1290 Fifth Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94122

Our Evening Program of Reflection will survey the Gospel of Matthew as we seek to uncover the splendor and the challenges of the Advent Season. Advent not only points to a Season of the year but is the fundamental attitude of the faithful disciple of Jesus.

We will explore the First Chapter of Matthew seeking to discover and celebrate Matthew’s understanding of Jesus as the Emmanuel of God who invites a reborn community to a life of transformative justice.

Our Evening will conclude with some reflections on “the Child” of Matthew Chapter Two, realizing that the First Gospel presents Jesus as “one like ourselves” whose birth reflects the trials and hopes of everyone who has ever been touched by the joys and sorrows of life.

The Advent Prayers of the Church will deeply bless us as our Evening together unfolds.