Just A Thought Or Two . . .

During Advent We Take a Journey of Faith

We tend to put off our dreams, our goals, and even our lives.  Do we ever hear ourselves saying, “When I have enough time, I’ll”, or “As soon as this project is finished, I’ll”, or “When I have enough money, I’ll”, or even “When my life is a little less hectic, I’ll”?  Are we guilty of putting our lives on hold? Just why are we waiting?

Sunday’s Gospel shares John the Baptist proclaiming the words of the prophet Isaiah.  “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.  Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low.  The winding roads shall be made straight and the rough ways made smooth and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”.

It is already the Second Sunday of Advent.  Yes, Advent is a time for waiting.  We are waiting for the birthday celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ and we wait for His glorious Second Coming.  Waiting doesn’t mean just marking time.  Advent is a time to set out on a journey of faith.  No more waiting for the perfect time, for the perfect day, or the perfect traveling companions.

Now is the time to ask God to strengthen our integrity and enlighten our truth.  When we wander in the wilderness of anger, intolerance, and greed we must ask God to guide us to forgiveness, compassion, and simplicity as we clear a straight path to holy behaviors.

When we prepare the way of the Lord, we ask God to bless us with courage as we accept our salvation story.  Following the example of Mary, help us to say, “Yes” to Your mercy and love.  Help us to say, “Yes” even when things are not clear.  Help us to take the needed risks.  Like Mary, help us to trust and face our fears.

Advent is a time of rediscovery.  Jesus Christ has already taken on human form.  Jesus Christ is waiting for us to recognize His holy presence among us.  Jesus Christ is in the homeless shelter, in the hospital waiting room, and in the unemployment line.  Jesus Christ sits next to us in church, rides the bus, and may be found around our dinner table.  Advent is not for waiting.  Advent is a time to search, to set out on a journey of faith . . . a journey to find Jesus Christ in our everyday lives.

The world is being decorated for the birthday celebration of Jesus.  In the flurry of decorating trees, buying and wrapping presents, and writing the annual Christmas letter there will be moment of silence when we may daily invite our Savior into our hearts and busy lives.  May the Prince of Peace find a home in each one of us.  May we know that with Jesus in our lives there is no putting off until tomorrow.  We will have what we need.  May we “Clear a straight path.”  The journey to Bethlehem has begun.

Please come and pray with us:  Advent Mass Celebrating our Lady of Guadalupe, Wednesday December 11 at 1:05 p.m., Hosted by Grade 4, All Saints Catholic Church.