Reflection for the Fourth Week of Advent, 2022

Reflection for the Fourth Week of Advent, 2022

Today we stand before the Advent Wreath ablaze with light. All four candles burning tell us the days of Christmas are nearly here. There can be a clutching at the heart as we think of so much still to do: five mailing days left for me to finish my Christmas cards. What gifts are there still to buy and wrap? When shall we go for the tree? Should I be tested for Covid or flu? All these questions, and hardly any time to get everything done!

So here we are. Seven days until Christmas, and we’re caught up in frenzy. But the Gospel, Matthew 1:18-24, tells us that there is a serenity we need to find, the serenity that St. Joseph felt in his dream when the angel spoke to him: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Joseph might have thought, “I don’t know what all this means, but I can’t bear to say no to God. How could I live with myself if I refused to accept His Word? I’ve waited all my life for this moment, and I didn’t even know it. Yes, My God. Yes! Whatever You ask, because You’ve never been wrong in my life. You’ve never been unfaithful. Now I embrace, I surrender to this Mystery.” And there will be peace.

Today is a day to sit with Joseph and Mary (as we did last week) and hear them renew their surrender to God without knowing fully what it might cost them. Let’s ask ourselves individually: What if I don’t get everything done on my list? What if the dreaded flu comes after all? What really matters to me? Only that I look deeply into my heart to find the Presence I’ve been waiting for, so long a time.  With God I have everything. He comes to rescue me from all my undone-ness, all my unready-ness, all the untidy-ness of my life. He wants me to fall on my knees and welcome without fear the Hope who comes to me. Nothing is impossible to God, Gabriel said.

During these next seven days, let us together try to turn our hearts away from anxious thoughts. Perhaps our plans are not God’s. Let us seek the peace that Mary and Joseph found in their yes to God. We’ve been trying for four weeks to be ready for Him. Now He is only moments away. Open the door and let Him in. He doesn’t ask for much, only that we give Him our hearts. Let us be like a little child who is content with the gift she receives, without wanting more. This Christmas, may the Mystery be Enough.

Have a blessed Christmas. We pray that you will surrender to the Mystery.

With great love,

Mother Marie Julie

and the Sisters of Charity

of Our Lady, Mother of the Church