“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36
A tender reading for the day before Advent. Be on guard. Don’t be lulled into sleep. Let not dissipation and worry take you captive. Hold carefully and warmly those places in your heart that break—the disappointments, the losses, the depressing burdens. Be alert. The Son of Man, the Child of Bethlehem comes. Cling to the light that Advent promises, to the stars that brighten the darkened skies.
It’s the eve of the glorious season of Advent.
The Gospel reminds us today to look around and take note of the need for Light, for Hope, for Mercy. A mother tells me her teenage daughter still hasn’t recovered from the isolation imposed in the Covid-19 lockdown. The tears almost capsize her. A grandpa worries his granddaughter will lose her way at college. A friend texts that her cousin has set a date for an abortion.
Be not weighed down by the worries of life, because God has entered into this life to be here with us as our very Life. Be not blinded by the darkness, because we begin from today to prepare for the birth of the Light of the world and the ultimate end of the night. Be not feeble of heart because Jesus conquers every death and restores joy.
Advent is about renewing the fires of joy and the eagerness of hope. It is for the child in us that needs innocence restored by the Child of Bethlehem.
Advent is about walking through the dark that surrounds us with eyes translucent with eagerness for the Kingdom.
Advent is about knowing that the victory of Christ is our victory, that God holds the power in love, and that nothing can wrest us out of his hand.
Image credit: Photo by Rebecca Peterson-Hall on Unsplash
Praying with this Passage of Scripture
Lectio Divina is a way of listening to God as he speaks in his Word. It is a practice of communicating with God through Scripture and attending to God’s presence and what he wishes to tell us. In this slow and prayerful reading of the Word of God, we allow ourselves to be transformed by the Spirit who forms us into the image of Christ. There are four movements in Lectio Divina: Read (lectio), Meditate (meditation), Pray (oratio), Contemplate (contemplation).
Begin by finding a still space to pray. Breathe deeply and become quieter within. Abandon any agenda, worries or thoughts you bring to this prayer and entrust these things to the merciful care of God. Ask for the grace to be receptive to what God will speak to you through this Scripture reading. Grant me, Jesus Divine Master, to be able to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God and your unfathomable riches. Grant that your word penetrate my soul; guide my steps, and brighten my way till the day dawns and darkness dissipates, you who live and reign forever and ever Amen.
Read (lectio)
Begin by slowly and meditatively reading your Scripture passage out loud. Listen for a particular word or phrase that speaks to you at this moment and sit with it for a time.
Pray (oratio)
Read the text a third time. Listen for what God is saying to you. Speak heart to heart with God. Notice the feelings that this conversation with God raises up within you. Share with God what you notice about your response to this conversation. You may wish to return to repeating the phrase quietly and gently, allowing it to permeate you more and more deeply.
Contemplate (contemplatio)
Read the text a final time. Now be still and rest in God’s embrace. Ask God to give you a gift to take with you from this prayer. You might ask God if he is inviting you to do some action, for instance, make some change in your thoughts, attitudes or reactions, in the way you speak or how you treat others. Thank God for this gift and invitation as you conclude your prayer.
Image: Myriams-Fotos; pixabay.com
Touching the Sunrise 
Not to mention, spiritual combat that continues.
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