December 11, 2016
3rd Sunday of Advent
In Family Circus on Friday, the Mom a bit exasperated says: “I have run out of patience!†The caption from one of her children (I think Billy) is: “Don’t worry, Mommy. I’ll get you some for Christmas.†Patience and joy are in short supply at this point of Advent. Awhile back Pope Paul VI wrote a pastoral letter entitled: “Rejoice in God.†He wonders “why, in a culture of plenty in the West, where there is so much to satisfy us – wealth, clean water and readily available food, medical achievements, technological advancements – is there so little joy?†He concludes “technological society has succeeded in multiplying the opportunities for pleasure, but it has great difficulty in generating joy, for joy come from another source. It is spiritual.†We are like John the Baptist “imprisoned†in a society that deceives us with a lie, i.e. we can buy or acquire happiness as an object or product. With John we need to ask the fundamental question of Jesus: “Are you the One God has sent into the world?†If Jesus is the One God has sent into the world then joy will fill our hearts as we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Our eyes will open to see Jesus present in our world. Our ears will hear his voice in people who have few things but have come to treasure what is truly precious.
I found a paraphrase on Psalm 23 by a Japanese Christian that may calm our minds as the pace picks up before Christmas.
The Lord is my pace-setter,
I shall not rush;
He makes me stop and rest
For quiet intervals;
He provides me with images of stillness
Which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency
Through calmness of mind,
And his guidance is peace.
Even though I have many things
To accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all importance
Will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal
In the midst of my activity.
By anointing my head with
His oil of tranquility,
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely, harmony and effectiveness
Shall be the fruit of my hours.
For I shall walk in the pace of
My Lord
And dwell in His house forever.
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First Sunday of Advent
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4th Sunday of Advent
