In today’s Mass readings we find this fascinating passage from Isaiah: I am the LORD, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things. (Isaiah 45:6-7) Advent is a time when we descend into darkness (at least in the northern hemisphere). The days get shorter and shorter until we reach the Winter Solstice with the longest night of the year. This is a time... Read more
“As I breathe, I hope.” Cicero We all know that this isn’t a pleasant time of year for everyone. For many, it’s a catapult into memories of lost loved ones, a springboard that could lead one to relapse, a sadness that feels all too dark and distant to cure or maybe even understand. Paradoxically, this is supposed to be a season of great joy. A time in which we sense an undertone of expectation to have smiles plastered on our faces. For... Read more
“Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.” (Here and throughout, quotations are from the daily office of readings) Let us close... Read more
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. Rejoice in the Lord always. Have no anxiety. These are some of the hardest words in Scripture.... Read more
Zechariah 2:17: “Silence, all humanity, in the presence of the LORD! For he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.” The Gospel of Luke 1:39-55: Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed... Read more
The Mass readings for Friday of the second week of Advent include Psalm 1. A fairly short Psalm, it lauds the person who “delights in the law of the Lord,” who meditates on that law “day and night.” The Psalm goes on to describe such a person as “like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season.” It’s a lovely image for Advent since it emphasizes fruition — but also waiting. One of the challenges... Read more
My Advent Encounter by: Christopher Johnson Early in the year 2000, a generally unremarkable time while living in an Apartment complex in Raleigh North Carolina was made memorable by a huge snow storm. Two feet of snow dropped on us in one night. While North Carolina definitely gets more snow than most of my native South Carolina, no one was prepared for this much snow coming this fast. The city was frozen over and I wasn’t going to be going to... Read more
“Wonder is involuntary praise.” English Poet, Edward Young, (1683-1765) Reflection: Whether we reflect on it or not, we were all once children and creatures of great wonder. Yet, growing older has diminished our desire (and often our ability) to get in touch with that aspect of ourselves. Behind our disguise of “maturity” we’ve lost touch with wonder; the heartbeat of all faith. Wonder has become a commodity of our past, something to grow out of as opposed to grow into. And,... Read more
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