Out for a walk this morning I was thinking, “It doesn’t feel like Advent yet.” Already halfway through the first week but I’m not feeling it. The First Sunday of Advent liturgy seemed overshadowed by all the hype about the “new liturgy”. Also by some fluke there was no music at the parish we attended. But the homily was very good- about the plans we make for a season like this and the laugh we give God about that…better to let God unfold Advent in your life!
So as I walked I determined to make a start of Advent, first of all by being aware that ’tis the season. I hummed “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” as I walked along the dry irrigation ditch, looking at the harvested cotton fields. I enjoyed the sunny morning after a long, cold dark night. I noticed that several fields have been plowed and prepared for a planting. It raised a sense of patient expectation in me. We are still 3 weeks from the shortest day of the year so there is plenty of time to develop a longing for light.
Be aware. Be available. Be prepared. Be willing to wait in darkness. Be hopeful. ’Tis the season.
Thanks for sharing, Sister Janet. I agree that is sometimes hard to be conscientious about the patient waiting of preparation. It seems there is an over-abundance of hyper waiting, and not enough of the patient kind. Thanks for giving us pause to reflect on that
Hope all is well. -EL
I especially appreciated your Advent reflection, Janet. I carry away in my heart the words, “…better to let God unfold Advent in your life.” May these words take deep root.
Fran