# Seeing God’s Signs in Advent
*2018-12-06*

> Bill Young reflects on Advent, the readings from Isaiah and Matthew, and the small signs of God’s presence he notices while preparing for the Immaculate Conception Mass.

## Personal Remembrances

I begin by noting that today, December 7th, is both the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack and the day I first met my future wife in 1984 at a Christian gathering. We were the only Catholics there, and a simple wink sparked a lifelong partnership.

## Preparing for the Immaculate Conception

We are setting up the altar for tomorrow’s Mass of the Immaculate Conception. While arranging the table, a cross, and a statue of Mary, I noticed a tiny brown leaf and a small flower arranged in a triangle beneath the holy‑water font. I call this the “sign of the Trinity.” It reminded me that God often places signs in our everyday surroundings, though we may be too busy to notice them.

## Scripture for the Day

The readings for today are Isaiah 29:17‑24 and Matthew 9:27‑31. Isaiah speaks of a future where Lebanon becomes a fruitful field and the blind will see, a promise of spiritual sight for those who are blind to sin. Matthew recounts Jesus healing two blind men, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you,” and then commanding them to keep the miracle secret.

## Reflection from “Christ Comes Anew”

The daily reflection for this Friday reads: “The awareness of our sinfulness is part of holiness. True sorrow for sin is never morbid; it carries the certainty of forgiveness.” It reminds us that blindness to sin is our chief blindness, and we must choose to see ourselves honestly before God can heal us.

## Invitation to Mass and Film

Tomorrow at 9 a.m. we will celebrate Mass at St. David’s Catholic Church in Davie, Florida, followed by a showing of the Legion of Mary film *The Power of the Hands* at 10:15 a.m. All are welcome to join, enjoy refreshments, and experience the power of the Rosary.

*God’s signs are all around us; we just need to open our eyes to see them.*