Anna Caruso

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  As we know so well, the word simply means “coming” or “arrived.”  We use it in this context to refer to the coming of Jesus into the world.  Most of us have celebrated Advent many times and are quite familiar with its meaning.  But what many sometimes fail to recognize is that the coming of Jesus is a three-dimensional concept.  Our usual habit of thought is to limit it to only one meaning or two at the most. Characteristically, we think of Advent in terms of the Christmas story.  This is when we […]

In Colossians 3:16-17, we’re told: “Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you.  In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another.  Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs.  Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord, Jesus.” The gift of speech is to be used to praise and worship God.  It is to be used to create joy and laughter and song.  It is meant to persuade us in those things that are for our good and God’s glory.  It […]

Several years ago, a plane crashed at National Airport in Washington D.C.   While taking off during a snow storm, it lost altitude, bounced off a bridge and fell into the river.  In the aftermath of the tragedy, a helicopter was used to lift survivors from the icy water.  The rescue effort produced a number of heroes. One of the most memorable was a man in the water.  When the helicopter came for him, he waved it on to another survivor.  He did this, not once, but several times.  And when the helicopter came back the last time, it was too […]

For six days a week – Monday through Saturday – we live our lives in a highly competitive world.  Nations compete for power.  Politicians – as we have seen recently – compete for votes.  Business competes for customers.  Workers compete for jobs and promotions.  Athletes – like the Mets and the Yankees – compete for victories.  All of us, it seems, are competing with someone for something that both of us want but only one of us can have.  That is how most of us live six days a week.  Then on Sunday we come to church at Annunciation-Our Lady […]