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| An action on our Jesse tree Photo by Karen Rose, OSB |
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| 2017 Advent Candles Photo by Tammy Shoemaker, OSB |
Advent is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the
candles we put out in the Gathering Place surrounded by the greens with the
appropriate ribbon colors of purple and pink for each week of Advent. Our
Advent tree is up with the ornaments that have the prayer requests of our
donors on them. Schola has begun practicing for Christmas Eve, and the bell
choir is chiming away. Each sister has been asked to set aside extra time for
silence and reflection as well as to do two actions (which we hung anonymously
on our Jesse tree) in the hopes of leading us to love more inclusively and
deeply.
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| Advent Tree Photo by Tammy Shoemaker, OSB |
In a world of violence, war, hate and discrimination, Advent offers us all
a special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our
commitment to Jesus' way of life; that way of life is rooted in love and a welcome
that begins in our own hearts, with our own family, friends and co-workers. Have
you ever felt welcome? How did it make you feel? Warm and fuzzy? Loved?
Included? This lived experience of welcome can deepen our faith and allow us to
become more compassionate and merciful. It invites us to create a culture of
welcome for all. We believe, as Pope Francis says, “Welcoming others means
welcoming God in person!” (Advent Reflection 2017 Maryknoll)
Many of the readings in
Advent proclaim, “Do not be afraid.” Joseph and Mary both did not understand
their call from God to be the earthly mother and father of Jesus. But they
trusted it and obeyed it. What is God calling us to do in our lives this Advent?
Let us strive to be more compassionate and merciful to all those we meet. Let
us love more inclusively and deeply.
Tammy Shoemaker, OSB
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