1st Sunday of Advent

As a new Liturgical year begins with Advent, Jesus urges us to pay attention. Advent highlights waiting and expectation. When we wait for a person to come or event to happen, we prepare. Advent provides a time for each of us to renew the spirit of expecting God. To recall the cry of the early Christians: Maranatha-Come Lord Jesus. The message of the Gospel says, “ Be on guard.. be on watch.” One of the challenges of expectation is to become more conscious of how God comes to us in our everyday life.

               God is present in creation, in the beauty of flowers, rivers and mountains and in the changing of the seasons. Our relationships at home, work and play can reveal the presence of God. In the events of our ordinary life, we can discover God. We may need to spend time reflecting and allowing God to become present to us. This waiting will need energy, attention, patience and time. In finding the presence of God, surprises may happen. We may discover the vast richness of God’s mercy, the immensity of God’s love, and the demands of God’s Justice. God’s presence offers hope.

               Each of us is challenged to let God’s presence enter our lives and become a living symbol of God’s presence to each other. How do we invite God into our lives? How do we prepare for the coming of God? The best way is to keep our priorities straight and to pray. Dorothy Day said, “… When I visited Calcutta, I saw an unknown woman, vigorous and purposeful, feeding and caring for skeletonized human beings… So I asked the nun, whom they called Mother Teresa, and she told me, “each one is Jesus in a distressing disguise.” We became life-long friends from that day.” Choose to be kind every time. And who is helping you don’t forget them.