On Sunday we celebrated Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) which is known as Rejoicing Sunday. We draw near to the Feast of Christmas with great anticipation. In a couple of days, we enter the novena before Christmas and pray the O Antiphons, which raise the hope of the fast-approaching Messiah.
We celebrate the coming of Christ in history but also anticipate his return to beckon us home. In the meantime, the scriptures show us Jesus chiding the religious leaders of the day and the prophets of old preaching fire and brimstone.
Saint Augustine would remind us, “The day in which we now find ourselves is still night…but the promise of salvation is sure. Keep your attention closely fixed on it, as would a lamp shining in a dark place until the first streaks of dawn appear.”
Often, I am up in the very early morning hours each day in the silent darkness covering the earth. It is my time with God because the rest of the day does not often allow that peaceful encounter. As I sit and watch the stars in the heavens and the first rays of day sprouting in the east, I feel a sense of hope and promise.
These days of pandemic have been frustratingly dark and challenging. But there has been a reprioritizing and peaceful interlude introduced into our lives as well. I pray that as we see the first signs of hope dawning with the promised vaccine, that we don’t turn back to old ways and stony hearts, but rather remain in the silence of His embrace.
The journey continues…from darkness into Light!
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
