Advent Season – that time in the Christian calendar between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is a paradoxical period. On the one hand, we are called by the weekly scripture readings to penance and preparation for the Lord’s coming. On the other hand, at least in most of Western civilization, we are caught up in a series of parties, gift exchanges, frantic gift buying and card writing, and general celebration.
Blame it on capitalism, commercialism, materialism, one-upmanism, or any other “ism” for that matter. The fact still remains, this time is one of supreme paradox. And often the only real penance that is done is in the mall parking lots, crowded stores and streets, and, yes, when the credit card statements arrive.
Perhaps many of us have not headed the words attributed to Jesus in Luke’s Gospel: “Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with….the cares of life.” (Revised Standard Version) I love that word “coarsened.” It so richly captures the true ravages of worry, stress, and overall angst that often results from “keeping up” with it all and remaining vigilant for the next threat against our happiness and peace of mind.
Yet, the scriptures warn us about being vigilant about other things. We are challenged to be vigilant – watchful – about the presence of the Lord. Not by and by, but now, around us, often present without our knowing, in the small and simply things, most often in the needy and the least of our brethren.
But wait, there’s more! We are not only challenged to be aware of the presence of God around us, to stand vigilant to the revelations of God in our midst, but we are called to manifest God in our own lives. St. Paul says “love one another and the whole human race.” The hope, it seems, is that God is truly made know in our love. We have, therefore, a dual responsibility: to the be ever vigilant and sensitive to the presence of God among us and to live in such a way that that presence is more clear to others.
One of my favorite quotes is from Dom Helder Camera, a Catholic archbishop of Recife, Brazil and champion of the poor. He said “Be careful how you live your life, it may be the only gospel that people will ever read.”
Perhaps that is the real penance of Advent or any season for that matter – living the gospel with our lives. I think I’d rather not eat meat on Fridays or give up sweets. Is there another option here?
More next week……
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