Whispers From The Hill

Reflection on the Second Sunday of Advent: December 6, 2015

November 24, 2015

Scriptures of the day: Baruch 5: 1 – 9

Philippians 1: 4 – 6, 8 – 11 Luke 3: 1 – 6

It’s amazing how we recall in great detail our experiences of significant events, and our encounters with significant people.

Remember 9/11 . . ., your wedding day . . ., the birth of a child . . . , heartwarming memories with family and friends . . . ? Most likely, we can describe anyone of them in vivid color. Evidently, the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent describes a significant event for the Jewish people who were part of this Gospel story. The narration begins with an uncharacteristic listing of the Roman and Jewish leaders of the time. The desert area, and the Jordan River are specifically named as the geographic location of the event. John the Baptist was identified as the noteworthy person in the story.

The Baptist’s prophetic words:
“Prepare the way of the Lord.
Every valley shall be raised up, and every hill brought low.
All God’s people will see together the glory of the Lord.”,
were so significant that they have been repeated down through the ages right up to the present time.

These words resonated within the hearts of the people, and stirred up within them hope that something new was about to happen. And within a short time something new did happen, and they did in fact see the glory of the Lord!

As the story continues, we are told that a few days later Jesus approached John at the Jordan River. There, Jesus was baptized, and the heavens opened to allow the glory of God to shine on, and through Jesus.

God the Father claimed Jesus as His Beloved Son, and the face of God was revealed in the face, and in the person, in the words, and in the deeds, in the very life of Jesus! Jesus’ coming was a game changer for these people. They realized the full impact of Jesus’ advent in space and time. The same Jesus comes to us – today, tomorrow, and always. Do we recognize Him? Do we welcome Him with open hearts? Will we embrace Him, and allow Him to change our lives? Can we come together as sisters and brothers on the level playing field that he prepared for us? Do we dare to take on the challenge, the challenge to look at the faces of one another, and see Jesus? Can we look into the eyes of one another, and see the glory of God ?

by Sr. Gerrie Contento, M.P.F.

Reflection on the First Sunday of Advent: November, 29, 2015

November 18, 2015

Scriptures of the day: Jeremiah 33, 14 – 16

1 Thessalonians 3, 12 – 4, 2

Luke 21,25 – 28,34 – 36

THIS YEAR, give Advent a chance!

The Advent Season comes at a time when nature embraces us with a peaceful darkness. We look forward to the upcoming holidays as special times with family and friends. Preparing for these days stirs up joy within our hearts. The Church faithfully repeats its 2000 year old mantra:” Be patient, wait with hope for the Long Expected One – Emmanuel.”

On the first Sunday of Advent the Alleluia verse before the Gospel gives voice to a deep longing within us: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation”

It all sounds so lovely ! But can an everyday Christian, perhaps a typical housewife and mother with a full time job, can they/she really enjoy the peaceful darkness of this season?

Most likely, that typical Mom will spend most of her December evenings running helter skelter from one store to another frantically searching for the right gifts at the right price. Finally, totally overwhelmed with fatigue she returns home to find her family buried in a tangled mess of Christmas tree decorations that were supposed to be delicately hanging on the tree. Trying to maintain some sense of calm, she realizes that Christmas is 3 days away. The LONG Expected One, each year, arrives on the scene much sooner than anticipated.

With an air of surrender, she gently places her shopping treasures in a safe corner. Her eye catches a clear spot on the sofa, and she manages to make her way to the cushioned seat. With arms and legs relaxed and stretched out, she softly gazes at the mess surrounding her. She senses that her lips are beginning to form a smile. She notices the perplexed look on her family’s faces gives way to eyes glimmering with hope. She realizes the miracle of this moment.

Yes this year, this moment, Advent will have its chance!

Hopefully, each one of us will have and recognize moments like this during Advent. Hopefully, each one of us will be aware of God working in these moments showing us His kindness, and saving us from our foolish pursuits.

And hopefully, we will be overwhelmed with God’s grace, and pray with gratitude deep in our hearts: Lord, thank you for letting us see your kindness, and granting us your salvation.

by Sr. GerrieContento, M.P.F.