Advent is a pretty tame time of year. While it does have its penitential nature, it is not as demanding as is Lent. When I was in grade school, in the sixties and seventies, the Sisters usually used 'psychology' to have us understand what was 'good' or 'bad.' "How do you think Billy feels when you hit him in the head?" Advent is sort of like that. Isaiah wants us to understand that it was bad choices, and a lifestyle that abandoned the covenant, that caused the difficulties for Israel. Like the parent who has a conversation with a child, Isaiah wants us to try to grasp how our decisions can have dire consequences.
We remember the last few Gospels. Stewards who fail to invest their master's money and virgins who do not bring extra oil, will find themselves in the dark and cold, wail and gnashing their teeth. This season reminds us that we are not on a ride at Disney World whereas we sit in a car, while the scenery moves around us. We are active participants in the story of the Gospel, and it is our responsibility to live out our faith, as well as to convey that same faith to those around us.
Consider Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary and Zachariah, who were doing as they had planned, on their journey, and suddenly God changes their pathway. Now they are responsible for preparing for the Light of the World, and the source of Salvation. In so many ways our journey sometimes changes, and we are challenged to take on new and even more difficult responsibilities. But in the softness of the Advent colors, God continues to walk with us on this new path.
Preparing for Christ takes time and a lot of patience. In addition we need to work on our meekness, humility, and generosity besides. We too are really Advent people on that journey for the Christ Child. God does not slap our knuckles or any such thing, but offers us a vision of peace and joy. May the good works God has begun in us be brought to completion.
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