How many times in our life we have said:” I wish I could start over.” Or “If I knew then what I know now.” The Church offers us such an opportunity.........
How many times in our life we have said:” I wish I could start over.” Or “If I knew then what I know now.” The Church offers us such an opportunity as she ushers in a new liturgical year. The reflections of Advent assist us in focusing on the relationship we have with Christ as it looks forward to His coming again and remembers this humble birth in Bethlehem. The first goal is contained in the liturgies that are celebrated until December 16th while the latter days’ liturgies recall the Promise fulfilled.
From the earliest days of human history creation has been in rebellion. Though God has reached out continually through the Prophets and ultimately, through the Son with an invitation to reconciliation, man has continued on a path of self-destruction. The challenge for the believer is to observe the manner in which the faithful of biblical and ecclesial times embraced the Lord’s forgiveness. Throughout the Old Testament we see the People of God crying out for what they might need. There is an intimacy in the communication between the Divine and Noah, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and so many others. And, of course Jesus not only constantly “goes off by Himself” to pray, He teaches the disciples to call out “Our Father.” With Augustine we say: “Our hearts are restless, ‘til they rest in Thee.” From Aquinas and Anthony of Padua to Neumann and Merton we see the efforts of the heart of man to commune with the Trinity of Persons. But as in all relationships words are only the preamble. From ancient days the community made aware of God’s anger resorted to acts of fasting to demonstrate repentance. John the Baptist and his followers fasted perhaps because they were a part of the ascetic community of Essenes. Christ reminded His listeners that His friends “will fast when the Bridegroom is taken from them.” Throughout the centuries religious communities and individual saw the effectiveness of fasting in expressing sorrow for sin as well as clarifying one’s control over passions. Caring for those less fortunate has always been a mandate for the believers. We are our “brother’s keeper.” The prophets excoriate those who care not for the widow and the orphan. The Acts of the Apostles relates the ordination of deacons for the purpose of looking after the young community’s material needs The Church’s mendicant orders were formed to not only respond to the needs of the destitute but also to challenge the larger Catholic community to open their eyes and hearts and react with true justice and charity to all in want. In this holy season we are called to utilize the traditional triad to embody our joy in Christ. Our prayer life should be strengthened by daily attendance at the Eucharist or at least a daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Spiritual reading is an important component of growth. The wisdom of saints can be supplemented by modern religious writers such as Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Scott Hahn, and so many others. The recitation of the Rosary assists us in focusing on the salvific events which have given hope to all who would believe. A particular prayerful tradition of Advent is the wreath with four candles (three purple and one rose). Its circular nature reminds of the eternal existence of God and the eternity to which He invites us. The evergreens that normally grace it tell of the unchanging love of God for us. Though our fidelity at times, might be tested by sin, He never fails us and desires us always to be present and mirror His love. The candles as they are lit encourage us to persevere: the promise will be fulfilled. The sacrifices we make on earth are minor compared to the gift to be received. The single colored candle recognizes that the ephemeral happiness of earthly goods is but a foretaste of the joy that will be ours as part of the Community of Saints. Though Lent has been known as more penitential, the practicing of the fast in the preparatory season has a significance as well. Abstinence on more the one day a week is laudatory. The restriction in the size and number of meals gives evidence of our serious effort to not have in our lives elements which hinders our ability to recognize correct priorities. In honoring the Christ Child we all might consider giving up for a time treats or activities that give us pleasure.
For many, as they review God’s generosity to themselves and their families, this time is one to focus on charity. Locally, Lutheran Care Center has sent us a wish list for their senior residents. As we say Mass there weekly it is noticeable how much older our nation is getting. Years ago it would be rather rare for someone to see a whole century, but today it is quite common. While some have wonderful friends and family visiting others go wanting since they might have outlived all others, have come from a different part of the country or world or initially come from a small family. The youth of our parish are once again adopting a poor family (more if they can). They will be looking for your assistance. Personally I would like to call upon all our families to work with me in aiding the Franciscan Handmaids of Mary. For over thirty years I have been bringing toys and food to them for the working poor. With the support of parishioners and brother Knights of Columbus those who only have bare sustenance have a reason to celebrate. I wish you could be there to see the joy of the faces of children from one to twelve when they receive a gift that will remove them at least for a few moments from the desperation of their daily lives. Sister Anthony (still alive and kicking in her 80’s), Sister Maria Gorretti, and all the religious who work daily in their convent and nursery appreciate all they receive. On December 13th we will have gift Sunday. You can leave the children’s gift in front of the altar. (And I would not complain if our dining room in the rectory were filled) Whatever you can do is appreciated.
Lets make Advent a real time of coming closer to the One who is approaching us.
Jesus Vivat
Fr. Brian