Coffee and Catholicism

What I'm Drinking:

Back again at my favorite coffee shop and with my good old regular, the vanilla latte.  Isn't she gorgeous?  Normally the latte art is a simpler leaf or heart, but today's barista went all out with a more intricate, swan like design.  Yesterday was rainy and, due to those darn winter temperatures, a little icy and slick.  There is something about sitting around in comfortable armchairs, surrounded by good music and good company and simply enjoying the day- safe from the rain and icy patches that my natural clumsiness does not function well with.

However, what was better than this stellar drink and warm escape from the winter weather was the great date that and wonderful conversation went along with it - as hinted by that subtle second glass in the picture this week.  So, although Thanksgiving is done, I'm very thankful for not only the {multiple cups of} coffee of this weekend, but also who I spent it with - it was a perfect blend {no coffee pun intended}.

"You'll need coffee shops and sunsets and road trips.  Airplanes and passports and new songs and old songs.  But people more than anything else.  You will need other people.  And you will need to be other person for someone else.  A living, breathing, screaming invitation to believe better things." 

What I'm Thinking: 

Welcome to a new year in the Church liturgy! With the celebration of Christ the King last week, we ushered in a new season of the Catholic Church - and what a beautiful way to start...Advent.  It just seems as if this year has flown by and it wasn't too long ago that snow was on the ground.  Here we are back again though and the readings from this weekend's Mass have beautiful things to teach.

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness, and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.  For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of earth.  Be vigilant at all times." (Luke 21) 

Advent calls us to an adventure away from the anxieties of the world.  Especially in the holiday season, it can be incredibly easy to get swept away in the current of busy-ness.  Presents to buy, wrap and give.  Meals to shop for, prepare, and eat.  Traditions to arrange, anticipate and enjoy.  Don't let the anxieties of daily life keep you from Christ this Advent.

Use these next four weeks to strengthen you heart for the coming of a baby in a manger.  A simple, quiet arrival of a the beautiful love story of God made man.

So unpack your tree, take some time to draw close to Christ through the sacraments and adoration, drink an latte and Be Not Afraid