First Sunday of Advent December 1, 2024

Readings: Jer 33:14-16   1 Thes 3:12—4:2   Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

God tells Jeremiah, “I will fulfill the promise I made.” Paul addresses the Thessalonians, “Strengthen your hearts. . .at the coming of Our Lord Jesus.” I am comforted by these directives, for I know God understands my tendency to distract myself during waiting. I am in Good (God’s) hands! The season of Advent is a time of waiting, which traditionally is defined as preparation. It’s normal to begin to plan the menu, shop for gifts or write and address the annual holiday cards. These are the usual ways to prepare for Christmas. One important part is left out.

Jesus tells his disciples, “Be vigilant. . .pray that you have strength.” Advent provides a wonderful opportunity to consider what is going on inside me, to reflect on the reason for my waiting: the arrival of Jesus, the arrival of Love, in my heart in ever-new ways. Moreover,

I can learn about how I wait: Am I anxious? Lonely? Tired?

Am I curious? Thankful? Excited? I can open my heart to the Lord in quiet prayer and allow His presence to instruct me and fill me.

During this season, take a few minutes every day to sit quietly. Talk to the Lord about your day, especially the unresolved issues that occupy your time. Let the cares and distracting thoughts come and go; notice how you feel when you are alone with God. Offer up even those feelings. Then see if there is a movement, or a voice, from inside. It may not happen the first day, or the second. Take a bit of quiet every day. This is the best preparation for Christmas.

This Advent, God invites us into the waiting.

                                                                              Fr. Terry