The last candle of Advent represents love.
The definition of Advent is arrival, coming into place, prepare. Our hearts must be ready to receive the Lord. For me part of my preparing is going to confession. Our parish offers confession several times a week. After morning Mass on Friday the lines for confession were too long. With my busy schedule I could not wait, so my friend Lan and I decided to go to St. Michael’s Abbey. We arrived a half an hour early and prayed. Once the confessional opened it took a total of five minutes.
St. Michael’s Abbey
St. Michael’s Abbey is tucked in the majestic desert mountains of Silverado Canyon. When the Norbertine Fathers decided to build the abbey they commissioned Jean-Louis Pagés, a French architect, for their project. To Jean-Louis it was a labor of love. When he received the call from the Norbertines Father, Jean-Louis asked, “What will the abbey be called?” When he heard the name Michael, he understood that this commission was from God. Jean-Louis and his wife were still grieving the loss of their son Michael. The Norbertines knew Jean-Louis Pagés was a faithful, religious man of God and that he had suffered a great loss.
The Heavenly Light
The Abbey is designed to capture the perfect light for the Feast Day of Saint Michael at the singing of vespers. The lighting caught my eye as a beautiful array of lights filled the church while we were waiting for confession. It was as if the abbey had been transported from a small village in France. As soon as you turn into the wrought iron gates, you feel a sense of tranquility. The abbey beckons you to a silent time of prayer. We are blessed to have St. Michael’s Abbey in our county.
Lunch At Cook’s Corner
It was well past 2:00 o’clock by the time we left the abbey. I decided that we should go to Cook’s Corner for lunch. Knowing full well that the Norbertine priests had blessed the business after a tragic mass shooting in 2023, we felt safe. Yes, I am aware that it is a biker’s hang out, but I also know that they are known for their great food.
When Lan and I walked in, the contrast from the silent beauty of the abbey quickly changed to piercing, acid rock music. My heart was troubled but, nevertheless, we needed to eat. I asked the bartender, “Do we need to be seated?” She answered, “Oh, I’m not going to wait on you!” Then a woman at the bar added, “You do not want her to wait on you!” Their humor was funny and sarcastic.
I ordered a patty melt, and then Lan and I went to the patio area to escape the deafening music; but the deeper we went; the louder the music! Finally when my patty melt was ready, we decided to eat inside. Looking around, Lan said, “Lynda, everyone is drinking beer.” “I know, it’s a bar,” I answered. We did not have to worry about that because neither of us like beer.
To say that the patty melt was the best I have ever had is an understatement. It was heavenly!
Visiting Mario
The date and time were set for our visit. I had not seen Mario since our last visit at Norco Rehabilitation Center in July. On the way there I prayed a rosary and asked the Lord to keep me from crying tears of joy. I put the address in my phone and followed the simple directions. How I managed to get lost is beyond me!
I called Mario and he said he would meet me outside. To see the look on his face brought such joy to my heart. We were going to breakfast and the first restaurant the came up in the search was The Iron Griddle. The food from this family-owned business was so delicious!
Mario ordered a spinach omelet with hash browns, while I ordered oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar. When Mario’s omelet arrived, a few seconds later the waitress came back and said that she messed up his order. So as she was taking the first order back, I asked, “What are you going to do with it?” She answered, “I’m going to throw it out, or do you want it?” I quickly answered, “Yes!” The breakfast came with a thick slice of homemade raisin bread. Again, another heavenly meal experience. Our visit was short and sweet. Mario is doing great, so please continue to pray for him as he navigates through life.
Annual Dinner
I needed to get back for our annual dinner with our best friends Larry and Helen. We ate at our favorite restaurant. Our reservations were for 3:30 p.m., but it was past 4:00 p.m. by the time we sat at our table. Our dinners are always very early, that’s part of growing old.
I started with a cocktail of Belvedere Vodka and cranberries. It was so festive looking and it tasted amazing! We always have appetizers, so by the time our dinners came I was not that hungry. But we did share a hot fudge sundae for dessert. Then we took a stroll around the shopping center.
The Enduring Friendship
Larry and Helen have been part of our lives for over 30 years, and the older we get the more tolerant we have become. We established a three-day rule, or, rather, I have established a three day rule. After so many years of traveling with them, Larry would dictate what we were going to do. This continued until one day I said, “I’m tired of Larry telling us what to do; today this changes.” So now we all take turns.
Advent
As we enter into the end of this holy season, I pray that we all operate in a spirit of love. There’s a good reason why love is the last of the candles lit. With love we can conquer the world. Stop listening to the exploitation of Charlie Kirk’s death that are taking place on the Internet. Remember in the end all these influencers want is your clicks. I no longer listen to them because there is no love in an argument, and what do we gain if we side with people who lead us astray from God? Always remember this: ONLY GOD’S TRUTH WILL PREVAIL!
My Prayer
Lord, teach us the true meaning of love. Open our hearts and minds to accept everyone with love. May the spirit of Christmas rule in each and every one of us. In all sincerity, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. Amen.
