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.