“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
Is it too late to remember that Advent is a quiet time of penance, prayer and preparation for the Nativity of the Lord which begins four weeks from today? Many of the best people will "become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life" long before Christmas. Some will be sick of the whole business.
In the Collect (pictured on the right) which is recommended for this Saturday, we pray that we might be good citizens of this world as we fix our hearts on the world to come. We have a dual obligation to the Lord and to our neighbors to remember who we are and where we're going.
Every year we hear the laudable appeal, "Put Christ back into Christmas." But that won't happen unless we put ourselves into prayer, fasting, penance, and serious sacrifices for the poor, which must include our poor planet. It will never be too late to begin caring for the Earth; but the longer we put it off the worse it gets.
Nor can those who care about faith, religion, justice for the poor, and the Earth make any difference without the investment of the vast majority who do not care. They must be invited; their resistance will only cause that day to catch them by surprise like a trap. (Like we're seeing with the fifth corona virus surge.)
The prayers, readings, and religious images of Christmas still have resonance for some people. They still like babies.
What better time to invite our neighbors to come with us to the Advent presentations, discussions and prayers? Seeing our hopeful dedication, some might be willing to share our sorrow for the waste, violence, and indifference of our way of life. Perhaps a few might be ready to confess their sins with us.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.