Advent Reflection, Sister Kathleen McCauley, SC

Written by Sister Kathleen McCauley, SC

Our Gospel opens with John the Baptist being imprisoned and apparently having doubts about who Jesus is. John commissions his disciples to find Jesus and ask him: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds: “Go, and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight; the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised; and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. — And — blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Then Jesus asks the crowds — and us: “What did you go out in the desert to see?”

This is the question that we, as a community of believers and individually, are asked each Advent.

The Advent Wreath

One of the traditional symbols we use to help us direct our Advent preparedness for our celebration of the birthday of Jesus is the Advent wreath. Can you name the traditional names of the candles and the virtue/grace desired for each week? Each of these candles is titled to focus our attention and hearts on Jesus as our anticipation of Christmas deepens.

Our first purple candle, known as the “Prophecy” candle, calls us to hope now and in the days ahead. During that week, we heard Jesus proclaim, “Stay awake! Be prepared! For at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come!” Some of our biblical friends who took this directive to heart were Noah, Moses, Isaiah, and Amos — to name only a few. Their friendship with God — and God’s with them — enabled them to hear, trust, and believe God’s word to them. What was our response to this admonition from Jesus to us?

Last week we lit the purple “Bethlehem” candle, which summons us to peace — in our hearts, in our lives, and in our world. We were encouraged to reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better versions of ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. Mary and Joseph prepared for and began their journey to be “counted,” leaving behind their home, their work, and such treasures as a crib for the new baby. In our world today, many innocent people are fearful of having to leave home and country and face the unknown. And John the Baptist continues to remind us that Advent is not yet Christmas — contrary to all the advertising and encouragement we get to shop … and shop some more! Rather, John speaks to us of repentance, humility, and sacrifice.

Let us ask ourselves: “What has my journey toward Christmas been like thus far?” “What might I still need to leave behind in my heart’s journey to welcome Jesus?” And — am I willing to work for peace even as I pray for peace?

Today, Gaudete Sunday, we lit the pink Shepherd’s candle to represent joy — for the near arrival of Jesus at Christmas. This is the “joy of the heart” that is fostered by the giving of ourselves in service to one another in loving generosity — joy such as the shepherds encountered when they “met” Jesus on that first Christmas. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin calls this “joy … the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” Saint John reminds us that “joy is the echo of God’s life in us,” and St. Paul proclaims in Galatians that “Christ lives in us.” When do you experience this joy of the heart? How is Jesus inviting you to greater joy this Advent?

Next week we anticipate the blessings and challenges as we light the purple “Angel’s” candle. Our time of preparation and waiting is almost over, as we rejoice in God’s endless love for us — made so apparent in the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph are waiting to welcome their baby with open arms. The shepherds, too, are waiting in the expectant stillness — something is different in this night silence. The Magi, who traveled from afar, following a star and outwitting Herod, sense the nearness of something special as well. And we, too, are awaiting with expectant hearts and open arms the best gift there is — Jesus! And so …

“Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep!
The Lord of all kindness has called us to be a light for his people, to set their hearts free — today!
Let us build the city of God … for the Lord, our light and our love, has turned night into day …
God is light … let us walk together in his light, his children one and all.”

Are we prepared? Will we be ready to welcome Jesus?