Father Michael's Column

Normally, about this time in Advent, people are coming to grips with the fact that there is just not that much time left before Christmas. In fact, this Advent is the shortest possible: only three weeks.

In the world around us, probably most people are thinking in terms of how many shopping days are left. While I don’t know how many people are still trying to get to brick and mortar stores rather than shopping online, the bottom line is that the world, and the merchants, are very tuned into “getting ready” for Christmas We can take a lesson from them, and, as disciples, recognize that “the time is short!” and we need to intensify our preparation for the coming of Christ, whenever he chooses to come, Christmas or anytime. 

We need to be ready, whether that coming is his eventual return in glory, or when he comes for each of us at the end of our individual time on earth, or whether he comes in various unexpected—and sometimes unrecognized—ways as we blithely go about our daily lives with perhaps less focus on being ready than we should have. A good test of our readiness might be to ask ourselves, “If we knew that our life on earth would be over tomorrow, would we be doing anything different today?” 

In any event, the feast of Christmas is coming, and will be here before we know it. That carries its own set of demands for being ready.

As the realization that Christmas is coming, and that “the time is short” (1Cor 7:21) starts to dawn on us, we might get a little tense, mostly because we start rushing around trying to get "everything done" in the little time that still remains. Then the panic sets in as we realize that, however we try, there simply won't be enough time!

When this happens (and I'm pretty confident it will be when, rather than if), it becomes easy, when feeling so rushed, to forget important things—like prayer, or taking the time to be nice to people around you (especially family!) or the people you casually encounter, like the harried salesperson at the mall if you are still planning on going there physically.

Sometimes we just have to throw caution to the wind and... slow down! It's simply true that, the busier we get, the more we need to take time to pray. There are lots of different ways to pray, but whatever “form” your prayer takes, what’s most important is that you are diligent about intentionally taking the time do it!

Whenever and however, you pray, I suggest that FIRST you take some time to recognize the good gifts with which God has blessed your life. (I hope you’ve taken the time to actually enjoy them! If not, promise yourself!) Then let your heart be filled with gratitude. No matter how stressful the day has been, I can practically guarantee that at this point you will already be more peaceful! And simultaneously you’re well on your way to really becoming a disciple because our gratitude impels us to want to share our blessings. We want to share the good news of Jesus with the world—not just at Christmas, but always. Sharing the love of the Lord is the mission we have all been given as members of the Church. It’s what disciples do. And it’s what our former Archbishop was urging us to do if we are to Unleash the Gospel.

When those stressful times happen as Christmas approaches, and you start praying (so that you don’t lose your peace), I suggest starting your prayer with something like the following: 

 “Dear Father, help me to be grateful for all you have given me, and make my heart, my family, and my home a place of peace to give fit welcome to your Son, the Prince of Peace. Let me share a beautiful Christmas with my loved ones." 

 For any children on your gift list, I offer just one suggestion: steer clear of any toys that glorify war or violence! (This is especially true with video games.) Violence is absolutely endemic in our society. It’s accepted, expected, and even glorified. (Do we wonder then, why we have shootings in our schools, by teenagers? Of course: they are inundated with it all the time—in movies, in music, in video games, on TV. It has become normal.) In all that we do, even in our giving of gifts, we are responsible for teaching our children—not to mention that the very reason for the gifts is to celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace. So many of the movies we are surrounded with, the video games we play, and the cartoons our young children feed on, promote violence as a solution to problems. What a vast difference from what our Lord teaches with His life and death! The way our children play tends to influence the way they think and the way they approach life. Let's help them have a peaceful life.

In Jesus,
Fr. Michael

PS Speaking of getting Christmas presents (of peace), why not start off by getting yourself one? What I'm suggesting is that you mark your calendar for one of the opportunities to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation! Put time for Reconciliation into your schedule now, rather than discover too late that you've missed it, in the rush. Look at the schedule on the Christmas card from the Parish that you should receive in the next week or so.

There’s a special opportunity for ladies to put balance into your Advent: Come to the Advent night of reflection next Thursday. It’s entitled, “Waiting in Joy.” You’re also invited to bring a friend if you wish, to step away from the busyness of preparing for the holidays and be reminded of the reason for the season. There will be music, faith stories, and a time to refocus on the goodness of Jesus and the love of our Blessed Mother. Again, you can bring a friend.