Advent calls us as Christians to ponder again
the mystery of our salvation, our hope that there is an answer to the riddle
of earthy life with its passing joys, disappointments, sorrows, and
frustrations, and its apparently dark end in the oblivion of death.
Does life go anywhere? Does it have any
meaning? Advent calls every one of us to stop in the struggle of life and to
look up, to recall the answer to the questions of life. We are on a journey to
our Father's house. The door has been opened to us by the Son of God, and the
way marked out. Advent invites us to look back over the long centuries, during
which the human race struggled on in shadows. Of course, there was always some
light. It began with the promise of a Redeemer who would crush the head of the
destroying Serpent, the Son of a woman at bitter enmity with evil. The
experience of human beings during those thousands of years of waiting is not so
different from the lives of those around us who live without the consolation of
faith and hope. They can accomplish much, but to what purpose? They can
struggle to live as well and as long as possible, but then they will sorrow as
those who have no hope.
The Christian should look at and listen to
this darkness and confusion. Human existence for the believer is always an
advent, a waiting, a journey toward a destination, toward the light. Begin
Advent by recalling the long darkness endured by the human race. Many are still
in it. As believers, we have the faith to know that God came to us through no
merit of our own, and that He comes to us still by His grace. He calls to us by
His birth, His life, His terrible death, and His glorious Resurrection. Advent
reminds us that He will come again. So many mysteries, so many questions, and
so many answers. For the one with faith, Advent should be a time of mystery,
discovery, new insights, blessings, many graces and a deeper joy as we
celebrate this great season.
Let us pray: O Lord, speak to my heart during
this season of grace, as you spoke to your prophets and saints. Remind me again
of the journey you call me to make and the work you would have me do. I am your
servant, O Lord. Speak to me in this holy season and turn my eyes to watch for
your coming.
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
I would like to say a big thank-you to Anthony
for arranging and directing our parish concert of last Friday. Also, thanks to
Mark, the 12 noon Choir Director and all the musicians who took part in the
show. Thanks to Betty Aliloviv, our Youth Director and the students of St.
Paul’s who helped with the preparations before and on the day. Several people
helped to arrange the luncheon for the guest musicians and they are much
appreciated too. It was a very good evening and I thank all you, including, of
course, those who attended. I look forward to our next musical evening!
I
hope you enjoy this beautiful time in the church year.
Fr.
Phil
