3rd Sunday of Advent

 Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
Psalm: Luke 1:46-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28


 John the Baptizer has always been one of those characters I find very mysterious.  He's sorta the guy who appears to have the minor role in the play but it is indeed a crucial one.  He makes these appearances, does his little tap dance and then disappears.  The two main things I know of John is that he "leaped in his mother's womb" and then became this crazy, weird guy who lives in the desert eating bugs and proclaims Jesus as the Messiah (and of course baptizes Him). 

I have been blessed to give birth to three beautiful sons.  Each pregnancy was a little different but I can honestly say that none of my boys "leaped" in my womb.  I loved being pregnant and enjoyed the time when I could feel the baby moving around, sticking an elbow out as if to say, "Hey, I need a little more room in here".  I think these baby movements solidify the reality that there is a baby in there.  "Leaping" at the presence of another unborn baby - not in the realm of my experiences.

Thinking about this causes me to reflect on a couple of scripture verses.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." - Psalm 139:13
"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you," says the LORD, "plans for your welfare not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope."

It seems to me that John knew the plans God had for him from the very beginning.  He knew what he was supposed to do. "John the Baptizer understood that life wasn't all about him. He emptied himself willingly and was thereby able to reveal Jesus to others. His humility opened a space within him for true joy to take root and he was set free! John is a sign of contradiction for an age drunk on self worship and lost in narcissistic self absorption. He is held out to us as an example in Advent to show us the how we can find happiness as well."  (By Deacon Keith Fournier - Catholics.org)

I think about John as an adult and about how he was very counter cultural.  He was isolated and lived a life very different from most.  He was pretty much invisible.  I wonder about all the invisible people I fail to notice every day; all the people I judge before knowing anything about them.  What important role has God given them in the creation of His kingdom?  

How do I get in the way of God's will?  How am I sabotaging God's plan with my self absorption? What joy am I missing because I'm self-absorbed? How can I be the light that leads others to Christ? These are big questions to think about and pray about.  I know I will find a more joyful life when I get out of God's way.

Let us pray the words of John Baillie, " O Light that never fades, as the light of day now streams through these windows and floods this room so let me open to you the windows of my heart, that all my life may be filled by the radiance of your presence. ... Let there be nothing within me to darken the brightness of the day." Amen

Here's some scripture study for this 3rd week of Advent that I enjoyed.
Advent Reflection: Learning Happiness and Freedom from John the Baptizer   
Advent Scripture Study - Sunday Readings 
Scripture Study Calendar

Songs
Yes by John Waller
Alive by Rebecca St. James

2nd Sunday of Advent-2011

Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-15
Psalm 85
Mark 1:1-8


I've never been good at waiting.

When I was expecting my children, I never enjoyed being pregnant like I’ve heard some other women do. I was focused on the next step—the conception, the first sonogram, the next sonogram, the next test, the arrival of the baby. In retrospect, I should’ve enjoyed the journey a bit more. But that’s never really been my style.

The only way I have ever been able to tolerate waiting—for anything—is to distract myself or divert my attention to something else. During the year-long engagement that I just insisted preceded our wedding, I focused on the wedding preparations and finishing my master’s degree. When I was just starting out in my career, I focused on the next step up the ladder. When my daughters were born, I couldn’t wait for them to walk and talk. (Now, could someone please get them to be quiet?!)

Advent is supposed to be a time of waiting, and I suppose it’s too easy to focus on Christmas and forget all about the waiting, preparing, listening, and watching part of the Advent season. It’s easier to go ahead and skip right ahead to the main event. Our society reinforces this idea. No one has Advent music, and the closest you can get to Advent decorations is a wreath. I’ve had an Advent wreath for several years, but I never remember to get it out in time to use the first candle. Someone needs to call me on Halloween and tell me to get prepared.

Our readings for this week remind us that we are to “prepare the way of the Lord.” The Old Testament reading from Isaiah has the classic line I’ve always associated with Advent: “A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” The same language is repeated in the Gospel of Mark: “As it is written in the prophet Isaiah—See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

But what does that really mean? How do I go about preparing the way of the Lord? I can’t get my Advent wreath on the table before St. Nicholas Day. How on earth can I prepare the way of the Lord? And why would he want me, anyway?

I usually love Advent, and I usually love Christmas. This year is different. I never expected to still be mostly unemployed, with my ragtag collection of inadequate, part-time jobs—during Advent. And I know enough about how Human Resources departments work to know that I’m likely in the same situation for Christmas. Everyone fills the position in January, after the holidays. So, I guess I’m waiting. Whatever is happening in my life is on His time, not mine. And there have been way too many miracles sent my way for me to believe that all this waiting is for nothing. He has a plan—a great plan—not just for me but for lots of other people. I have a part in it; I just can’t see the whole script. And I can’t see the schedule. I don’t know what’s next, and I have no idea how long this part will last.

The New Testament reading this week from 2nd Peter has some thoughts about time. “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”

OK, so His time is not my time. But what was that part about Him being patient with me? I think it means that there is a point to my waiting, just like there is a point to waiting during the Advent season. I don’t know what it is right now as I’m not privy to the plan. But it’s pretty clear to me that my time now, just like all our time during Advent, should be about preparing for Him. Whenever I feel inadequate or don’t know what to do next, I’m going to send up the prayer that says it all: “Lord, help us to reflect You in our lives.”

My friend Ellen’s dad taught her that one, and it’s one of the many blessings Ellen has brought to her friends and CRHP sisters. So in this time of preparation, what can we do to reflect Him in our lives? I think whatever our path, wherever our journey takes us, we can make it straight for the Lord if we keep that thought in mind.

Lord, help us to reflect You in our lives.

Songs for this week:
Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant: If you’re thinking he can’t use you to do what He needs done, think about the fact that He chose an unknown teen to be Jesus’ Mom. He knows what He’s doing.
Prepare the Way of the Lord by Jeremy Riddle: If you need a little Christian rock to get you in the mood to prepare, this is a good one.

Distracted

Last night when I was getting ready for bed I noticed that my underwear was inside out.  It was one of those moments when you say to yourself, "Really?"  How had I gone the entire day and not noticed?  I hadn't felt any discomfort, not twisties, no wedgies - nothing.  The next moment I experienced a huge 'God Slap'.  This is the season of Advent.  We are supposed to be on guard and AWAKE.  We are supposed to be preparing our hearts for the birth of our Savior and for our everlasting life.

My entire day had been consumed by health insurance since our family insurance ends tomorrow.  I was talking to the state dept. of insurance, I was researching insurance online, I was talking to friends about insurance, I was getting quotes from an insurance broker.  At the end I am more confused about insurance, frustrated with the entire industry and mostly pissed off that despite that fact that we never go to the doctor and are healthy people, we really can't afford insurance.  I spent my entire day without a thought about God.  I spent the entire day in a state of fear.  How can God live in my heart if it is consumed by fear?  Then one word came to me...AWARE.  Before I can be AWAKE and ALERT for God, I must be AWARE of him in my life.  Then I started thinking about all the things I missed yesterday because I was so distracted - all the blessings in my life that are subtle reminders of God's love for me.

So today, a new day.  I am going to be AWARE.

First Sunday of Advent-2011

Isaiah 63: 16-17, 19; 64: 2-7

Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Mark 143:33-37

We have a favorite place we love to go every summer.  It’s quiet, beautiful, and out of town.  We get a chance to escape the craziness of our daily lives and connect with one another.  Our cell phones have spotty service, the satellite TV is broken, and the most modern appliance in the kitchen is a Radar Range.  We don’t mind, and truth be told, we love this place.  We don’t go there for the amenities; we go there for solitude and serenity.  We go there for spiritual renewal.  We go there to spend time with one another playing games, reading books, watching old movies, making plays from story books, taking hikes, going fishing, hanging out on the dock, watching the sun set, chasing frogs, peeing in the woods (ok – that’s the boy’s fun!), flashlight tag, stargazing.  We love this place not only because of the individual renewal we experience but also because of the reconnection and growth we feel with each other.  This is our idea of heaven on earth.

In the weeks leading up to our trip we spend a lot of time getting ready.  We have to book the cabin and the fishing guide.  We plan all our meals and make a detailed grocery list.  We check the fishing tackle and make a trip to Bass Pro to ensure we have all the proper gear.  As the departure day grows near there is a buzz in the air.  Everyone is a little restless and excited.  What are we going to forget this year?  What’s going to be the highlight this year?  The night before we leave we are so excited to start the trip that none of us can sleep.

As we begin the Advent season and our new church year we have an opportunity to prepare our spirits and our hearts for the coming of Christ; not just the birth of our Savior but his coming again.  This week the Gospel of Mark warns us to be on guard and stay awake.  When I look at my own life I wonder if I put more preparation into my vacation than into the preparation of my soul for my eternal life.  I wonder why I get more excited about fishing in Minnesota than the birth of my Savior.  I wonder why Christmas has started to feel more like a chore than the celebration of Christ’s Birth.  I have to ask myself, what can I do to create a more meaningful Advent?

This Sunday’s reading from Corinthians reminds us that we “are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:7  Through the graces of God I am already blessed with everything my soul needs.  It is my lethargy, self-absorption and unfaithfulness that tarnish my spirit. In recognizing these shortcomings I might find the first steps to a more fruitful Advent. 

Last Saturday I wandered into The I. Donnelly Company, a religious articles store.  I poked around a bit in the Advent section and found a book of Advent Meditations that spoke to me and I bought it.  I am committing time each morning to reading, reflecting and preparing for Advent.  I have my space prepared by my chair with my prayer candle, Bible and new meditations book. 

This is the season of waiting, of transforming, of letting the potter work on us again, strengthening us to be fired and ready to be used as a thing of beauty.  Wont’ you let the potter mold your spirit during this beautiful season of Advent?

I have found some helpful and meaningful web resources

First Sunday in Advent    jam packed with biblical history, a great scriptural explanation
Our Sunday Visitor- Advent great website with an e-book and daily reflections
Sunday Scripture Study - thought provoking questions and great meditation

Songs for this week
The Potter's Hand by Hillsong

I-phone & I-pad Apps
Advent Companion 2011 by Magnificat (sorry I don't know how to give you a link)

Giving thanks

I suppose one of the blessings I am most thankful for this year is my new sister Cindy. I'm thankful that she had this crazy idea, and I'm thankful that we've had the opportunity to work together and get to know each other. I'm also thankful for all the women I've gotten to know this year through CRHP. Each and every one is amazing and beautiful and a true gift from God--yet no two are alike.

I've never been the person who made a list of all my blessings each Thanksgiving, though that might be a fine idea. This year I am perhaps both the neediest and the most blessed I've ever been. What a strange set of circumstances! So, this year I am thankful for the simple things: a purring cat, a two-year-old's sticky kiss, fresh sheets, a cold Pepsi, a warm car and the knowledge that whatever happens--God has a plan for me.

Here We Go!

What in the world are we doing?  Well, Kay and I are going to carry on about our families, pets, sports, and our God in this blog.  We hope to be able to share our reflections on the Sacred Scriptures and to connect with our CRHP Sisters. 

I had this crazy idea that has grown into this blog.  And dear Kay, well, she's along for the ride.  Honestly, I think she will be the one to keep us on task and keep us posting.  And she's such an awesome writer I know her posts will be amazing.  I'm the idea girl.  God gives me these crazy ideas that I can't stop thinking about and they grow and the next thing you know I'm making a quilt (I'll explain in a future post), or starting a blog.  One thing I know for sure is that God won't let me sleep (literally) until I say, "Yes."

What is God bothering you about these day?  What is he waiting for you to say, "Yes," to?  What is he writing on your heart?