Now, I do have some admittedly valid reasons for this, having recently experienced several positive yet preoccupying changes in my life. However, part of me felt like I had missed something, that I had perhaps not stopped long enough to truly realize that Christmas was well on its way. After sharing dinner with all of us gathered in the gym of St. The central theme of Sr. This is a greatly evocative way for us to visualize the meaning of the Advent season, which is not merely one long in-drawing of breath in nervous anticipation of Christmas.
Rather, Advent, like its counterpart Lent, is a penitential season hence the violet and rose vestments , wherein we are meant to occupy ourselves with contemplation and self-examination, much like how one inspects and cleans every surface in the house when anticipating friendly company. This understanding also correlates well with the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent, on which the night of reflection took place.
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Mary Grace touched on this aspect as well, drawing a comparison between the stable and manger where Jesus was born to the condition of our souls. Even though we are fallen, and our souls may sometimes resemble unkempt and unclean sheds, God still desires to dwell within us.
In fact, our imperfections, whatever they may be, draw us closer to God in the end, as we are forced to recognize our utter dependence on Him. My generation would benefit greatly by taking this truth to heart. Fittingly, the evening concluded with a holy hour in the church sanctuary.
With this in mind, as I walked into the sanctuary and saw the monstrance displayed on the altar, it felt more like a return than an arrival. Here, I believe, can be found a remedy to any feelings of unpreparedness we may experience during the liturgical year, be it Advent or Lent. We would always be in a state of receptiveness, of readiness to welcome Him whenever He may come. Search Site. Dec 19, Local.
