Catholics are always exceptional claims noted author and Franciscan priest, Richard Rohr, OFM.
That's true. Exceptional.
Advent is the 28-day season aiming to recall the birth of Jesus the Christ in his first coming as believers wait his coming again a second time at the end of time.
So, we wait but we watch also.
And, we wake up in a world that seems asleep, attached, addicted in a slumber!
Those who trek Advent with a plan know that as one ages, the bones and brain seem to realize that faith is more dark than light.
Faith is like that. However, faith is an illumined darkness.
Like a ray of light, or a sliver of it, it seems just enough to keep on walking in a world bursting with terror, trauma and fear all around everyone these days, it seems.
Four Sundays and weeks before Christmas Day, December 25, 2011, are a time for children and those still with a child within to hear again Isaiah's refrain that a child will lead us!
Is it then a time to play, to laugh, to take ourselves less seriously, even to be silly?
I think so.
Silly, after all, is from the Greek word, "selig," meaning "blessed." That is, consoled in the roller-coater-like ride of the spiritual life we traverse 'til the light goes out for each of us. We die eventually.
We pass over. And, are far from destroyed, but morphed and changed. Even scientists say this. That is, that we are not destroyed -- this temple I am - rather, CHANGED. Amazing grace!
As political debates steal the air on TV, pilgrims who know better than to get crazy about elections so soon center anew on the birth and spontaneity of Jesus who wants us to play and to enjoy life's little trek of five or six or seven decades, or so.
God becomes one like each of us inhabitants on the earth in the moment of Mary's miracle to be the tabernacles and home to the Greatest Story Ever Told!
For sure!
That is a stellar hope heralding confidence to get through these lean and mean days for many.
That light and the sliver it may be for many today is enough to see one through the thick and thin of life's obstacles. We walk through doors, as it were, then. Miracles abound in sharing.
Advent light and hope.
Humans need both.
With the little path of light one shuffles along, moving in "the Way, the Truth and the Life" of Jesus the Christ, the Light of the world. Wonder counselor. Divine healer of hope.
The Hebrews had heightened hopes that the parched land and sandy, dry desert would be transformed into fertile and fruiful soil.
These Old Testament folks forged forth in their ruptured and fractured culture aiming on gathering again despite scattered and frightened hearts like one's own today.
And, forgiving again and again, O stubborn one!
One hopes for a time when war will never come again anywhere. That we would stop this primitive play that devours and smashes human hearts and precious temples.
Debut Peace on Earth, goodwill to all! Exit battle and conflict within where all hate stems.
War never again to our own hearts, homes and streets.
That the blind who call conflict and battle will see.
That the deaf will hear and the lame and wounded walk tall with everygreen hope.
Unlike the unfulfilled dreams in the ancient days of recorded Scriptures, Jesus assures us that God is already in our midst among us. God is. For sure. Mom and dad's dreams give way to the impassioned vocations of their children's own hearts and minds.
Mary and John the Baptist deliver this Advent hope heralding promise. Walk by faith and use words only when necessary. Show God off. Go on. Be Godly for others at home especially.
Favor fills forever the voids and holes hurting lots.
Even the air and dim light and dark feels different these still and quiet days, exploding, however with bombs and violence. Yes, people get depressed but depression is not one's first name. Expression is the opposite of it. Walk. Work. Visit. Call. Whistle. Dance.
A flame burns bright and bells ring out with carols to calm a crazy culture.
For Catholics, and families, and households even of one also, the circular shape of the Advent wreathe and world reminds of the oft-forgotten reality that we are one globe, one precious pie in God's eye! A circle around one table of Word and Sacrament where issues are settled and life gives more birth! Make a round wreathe out of evergreens and light up a candle or two, or three or four each week. Spend some cash. This custom is worth kids watching and lighting daily at supper. Yes, eat together during Advent.
Certainly!
To give faith a fighting chance and fear a chase seems sufficient amid injustice noted in "Justice in the World," a social teaching on its fiftieth anniversary since the world Catholic bishops urged another way with Vatican Council II's fresh air and pastoral hope for those sliced from the global pie.
Leanne Womack's tune tenderly tugs one's inners:
"I HOPE YOU NEVER LOSE THAT SENSE OF WONDER.
YOU GET YOUR FILL TO EAT BUT ALWAYS KEEP THAT HUNGER.
MAY YOU NEVER TAKE ONE SINGLE BREATH FOR GRANTED.
GOD FORBID LOVE EVER LEAVE YOU EMPTY-HANDED.
I HOPE YOU STILL FEEL SMALL WHEN YOU STAND BESIDE THE OCEAN.
WHENEVR ONE DOOR CLOSES I HOPE ONE MORE OPENS.
PROMISE ME THAT YOU GIVE FAITH A FIGHTING CHANCE, AND WHEN
YOU GET THE CHANCE TO SIT IT OUT OR DANCE: I HOPE YOU DANCE."
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