“But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Who in time past were not a people: but are now the people of God. Who had not obtained mercy; but now have obtained mercy.”
(1 Peter 2:9-10, Douay Rheims)
Another eventful year 2011, is about to come to a close...a new one beginning again.
The economics around the world looked set to become another mess created by the greed of humans and the so-called, superpowers. Many continue to be slaves to the world, to debts, to the restlessness and anxiousness of today. Where most people around the world are led to the popular idea that Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Germany, Spain are the primary cause of this global economic downturn, many still believe that the real and present threat is quietly erupting in the United States, especially.
In any case, it is always the story of the poor becoming poorer and the rich simply gets wealthier by the day. Doesn’t this sound all too familiar during the time of Jesus as well...the mighty Egyptians against the Hebrews, the Romans, and the Samaritans, the lepers, the marginalized... This world has never learnt and never changed!
Quietly, but surely, the holy season of Advent comes upon us again; November 27, 2011. It is simply a time of waiting, a time of preparing, a time to examine, a time for renewal, conversion, turning back to God...most of all, a 4-Sundays journey to receive Jesus Christ anew at Christmas...a new beginning to the Roman Catholic Church liturgical calendar.
Coincidently, according to the Holy Quran, Allah has given that it is also the first day of the first peaceful and sacred Muharram month of the Islamic calendar...yet, fighting is still ever prevalent all across the land, all over the world...greed, abuse, abortion, corruption, bribes, marginalization, crimes, conspiracy, etc!!
Many Advents has come and gone, with renewal still lacking. The soul of the world has not changed much, yet, materially, nothing looks the same. We recall that the simple word “Advent” originates from the Latin word “ad venio”, meaning “to come”, and thus refers to the waiting of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall...this sacred season is filled with expectations for many, waiting, waiting... Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we must remember that this period is a journey towards satisfying our longing for Jesus Christ – the Word made flesh...coming to dwell amongst us...bringing hope to many...the Messiah in the form of a baby born in Bethlehem!
Is there any room for Him in the inns of our hectic hearts? We must always remember who we are in the presence of God, the source of all life, all joy, peace; without whom we are nothing!
“...Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Apocalypse of St John – Revelations 22:20, Douay Rheims)
The Aramaic word, Maranatha reminds us to continue to invite Jesus Christ the Lord into our hearts! God does not care about our past; He simply wants us to know who we are and who we can be.
Jesus, the same Messiah foretold in the prophecies of Isaiah, the lost lamb whom the poor shepherds found amidst their flock on a quiet night, the same King in a faraway manger whom the three humble kings searched and adored on bended knees with gifts of gold (royalty, authority), frankincense (holy priesthood) and myrrh (healer)...Glory to God on High, Jesus, in Hebrew, the Emmanuel...is with us...God is always with us each day. Simply wait and listen to His voice!
A Blessed and Holy Advent to one and all as we journey together, as one people, as one human race, towards Christmas! I have been quiet for a while but sometimes, silence is good for the soul... With your prayers, it is my sincere wish this season is to be able to share more of my simple thoughts with all of you, for the glory of Him who created me, gives me life and sustained me. Praying that each one of you have a meaningful Advent and remain in good spirit.
Simply be quiet,
Simply be watchful,
Be extra patient
and listen for the still, small whisper of God,
Who is waiting to touch you with joy...give meaning to your journey