Advent Reflections

Today is "Gaudete Sunday"

Brothers and sisters:

Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


In these words from this weekend’s second reading from St. Paul (Phil. 4:4-7) we are reminded that we are not in this alone. "The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all…,"

The dictionary defines anxiety as a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind over an impending or anticipated ill. And as much as I hate to say it, I seem to live here. I am often worried about the state of affairs in our community, our churches, our state, country and world. There is much too much violence and disrespect and not enough love and understanding. Anyone who was stuck in traffic on Thursday night knows that “common courtesy”, is unfortunately a thing of the past. (Side bar: This is Rochester, NY people; it snows here, sometimes a lot, real quick! Pay attention; turn on your headlights, clear the snow off your car and SLOW DOWN!) There is a lot to be anxious about. And add to that all the “preparations” that need to be done- the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking and baking, and it becomes very easy to forget about what is actually is we are really “preparing” for.

St. Paul then tells us, “…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” In other words, we need to talk to God. And share with Him all of our worries, our fears, our hopes and dreams. We need to praise and thank Him for all He has already given us and pray for the grace to see His hand at work in our lives.

As we reach this mid-point of the Advent season, let us take the time to look at what makes us anxious and worried, and offer those things up to God in prayer. “Fast” from the shopping, wrapping, baking, whatever for a day and spend the time contemplating the Nativity story. What was it like for Mary? For Joseph? What will it be like for me, when we celebrate the coming of our Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Word made flesh? Thank God for all He has done for us so far and for all that He will do. Share our time, our talent and our treasure with those less fortunate. Love more, criticize and condemn less.

God is sending us our Saviour, let us Rejoice!

Happy Advent