For many, this time of year represents a time of
hyper-superficiality. A time where we
are easily overwhelmed by the unrealistic expectations of rushing from one
holiday party to the next, buying that perfect gift for the special people in
our lives, and completing the year-end deadlines imposed by work and society at
large. It has become a season of people-pleasing
that showcases the co-dependent and materialistic nature of our society at its
worst.
Yet, Advent can be a powerful season of introspection if
we allow ourselves the opportunity to pull away from the cultural noise
bombarding us to get in touch with ourselves and with the Lord calling within.
It is a time to reflect on the trials and tribulations of
the ancient Israelites. A time when they
felt distant from God and yearned for the promised Messiah to deliver them from
the overwhelming cultural circumstances our spiritual ancestors had found themselves
in. As you read the Advent readings and
hear the Word at Mass, allow yourself to feel the spiritual hunger and thirst that
Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zephaniah, and the other prophets must have been feeling
during the time of exile.
In what ways do you associate with these feelings? What components of your life do you feel are
distant from God? Is there a
restlessness that you are not able to articulate? In what other ways are you feeling
unsatisfied or empty? Where in your life
are you harboring unforgiveness, resentment, sinfulness, or
self-centeredness? Where in your life
are you lacking peace?
These are the questions you are invited to ponder this
season. This is where your Savior
awaits, laying in the manger of your innermost vulnerabilities and at the very
core of your soul. He awaits to fulfill
the promises He made to Israel through your life in a special way.
Allow this season to be a season of rebirth for you, shedding
the false self you have been living through and instead embracing the true self
God created. Ponder the implications of His words:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you
were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jer 1:5)
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle
of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future
of hope.” (Jer 29:11)
