Fr. Kevin's Cluttered Desk
November 27, 2022
Is your advent wreath out? As a disciple of Jesus, each of us is entrusted with the responsibility to bring forth God’s kingdom on earth, but not later, we need to do it now. We might like to think that this is impossible, so that we don’t have to even begin, but if we reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and think about the words: “thy Kingdom Come, thy will be done” we need to let go of a defeatist attitude. In this first week we need to discern what is preventing us from bringing about God’s will, starting with our own lives. We are encouraged to let go of negative patterns of behaviour; we need to learn to forgive as God has forgiven us. We need to embrace actively participating in a deeper relationship with God and the saints. We need to reflect and discern what is important in life and have a responsibility to witness to the light of Christ that is the joy of Christmas.
St. Matthew points out that the fullness of God’s work is in God’s hands, but God works through the Pope, the Bishops, the priests and all who claim to be Christian. For each in their own way participate daily by watching, waiting, and preparing for the final coming of Jesus. Advent is not just about the little baby in the manger, it is about a much greater story, the story of our salvation, the story of our redemption, the story of our eternal life with God. Advent is rich with so much symbolism and so many decorations, and parties and shopping and baking and visiting, and exams for some and concerts for others but, in the midst of all this, let us not lose track of what it is that really needs our focus. Let each of us make ready our hearts for the wonders of God’s kingdom; to carve out moments each day, reprogram our day-timers, put down our smartphones and take some time to pray and be present to each other and to our Lord and Saviour. This is a season of reconciliation with God, but also a good time to be reconciled with our neighbour.
Peace Fr. Kevin
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