Sleep walking into Christmas!

Can you believe it, Advent starts this weekend and then the steady countdown to Christmas Day. The activity levels seem to increase at the very time when we would hope that they settle down. People probably have already started to make preparations about who they will visit, what they need to buy and who they need to send cards to. There are also the parties we attend, the nativity plays, end of year functions and the carol services which herald the arrival of the day. Yet in the midst of this celebratory feel do we miss something essential?

We are called to witness to the person of Christ not only in what we buy and how we celebrate but more importantly by how we seek to live. The presence of Christ is a disruption to the normal events of the year not just because it allows for a rest from our daily work. Christ seeks to enter into our lives and see them as God sees them. This season is not just centered on what we want but on what God desires for us. This means that in this time of preparation we take times to pause and see what God wishes to speak to our hearts. To find a moment on each day to quieten our quickening, to still our activity and to find what truly brings meaning and hope to our lives.

This listening allows our hearts to be softened from the daily cycle of news that seeks to deaden us and desensitize us to the reality of God. To see beyond the trimmings and discover a life which is joyful for more than one day. To discover how we are called to be good news to our world and not just for ourselves. It calls for our lives not to become privatized and shrunk to our own vision but expanded to encompass the vision which sees each person as created in the image and likeness of God. This is not just about changing our thinking but living in a way which reflects the profound gift of Christ for our world.

This stewardship of the gifts entrusted to us helps us to reflect on how our lives are called to be ones of faith, hope and charity. This comes from a relationship with Christ who seeks to open our hearts, our minds and our hands to those in greatest need. Not just to share what we have left over but to recognize in them the person of Christ who beckons us to welcome them with a generosity that ennobles their spirit. To serve the poor not just because they are poor but because they are children of God who deserve dignity and respect.

Will we open the door and let him in?

When we think of a royal visit there is a great excitement of welcoming a person who rarely visits our land arriving on our shores. All the preparations detailing where they will be and who they meet are known well in advance. Even when they are far away we read reports about what is happening in their family and every movement seems to be tracked by the media. They are never far from the spotlight and what they do seems to have a direct connection to our own lives. There is a fascination which does not diminish even when our politics about who should be our head of state differ.

Contrast this with the person of Christ and we see a different type of Kingship but no less influential. He calls us to follow him and understand what it is that he considers important. We are called to encounter him as a person but unlike other royal visitors, he seeks to enter the place we call home. Not as a person who occasionally turns up when we are fully ready for his arrival but every day. This can tend to forget or become too familiar with that presence and take it for granted. Yet  Jesus Christ wishes to reign not only in our land but also to be enthroned in our hearts. This is not one which wishes to subject us to a tyrannical regime but rather one which seeks to bring to life all that is good and holy within us. The image of Christ at the door knocking which was created by Holman Hunt reminds that even when the door seems overgrown and the path has not been well worn Christ still comes and knocks at the door. The image reminds me that he does not come as a stormtrooper breaking down the door but he still persists in knocking at the door. Yet the handle is on the inside and the question remains will we open the door and let him in?

Gifts are meant to be shared not hoarded

I remember in the movie "Chariots of Fire" there is a portrayal of two gifted young people Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. One of the lines which stays with me is when Eric Liddell misses the morning prayers and is upbraided by his sister from not showing his conviction for God replies "I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure." Both used their talents to the best of their ability. Yet I think this reflection best shows how we are to find out in life what gives our life meaning and where we encounter God’s pleasure. In seeking God each of us is called to give glory in the way which we are most gifted. When we use our gifts in this way it feels like prayer as we become totally absorbed body, mind and spirit in being present as we are.

Too often we can become abstracted from our lives when we seek to analyze what we are doing. Yet our lives are not called to be so complex. We are called to encounter God in this life and discover where there we can live that presence for the good of ourselves and the good of others. Our gifts are not just presents for ourselves. They call us to witness the goodness of God who enables us to be part of the creative unfolding of the universe. We do not hoard this gifts as though they are given only to the lucky and the strong but to celebrate their unfolding. Each day gives us fresh opportunities for us to give thanks that God is with us and walks close by our side. Let us run the race given to us so that we can feel God’s pleasure!

Do we seek wisdom or does wisdom seek us?

Wisdom is not just a matter of old age or grey hairs! It is a willingness to be open to God's spirit guiding us and us being receptive to that guidance. This is not just something that happens by chance to catch us unawares and unprepared. It does call us to be people who live in prayerful anticipation that God seeks us out and touches our hearts. 

This week's readings speak about three things. The first is that our thoughts need to ponder on what will bring life to us this day. They call us to be attentive to how we meet the things that bring us life and bring us hope of a life which lies at the heart of all creation. It calls us to be people who always seek life and who become creative in our response. God is present in becoming co-creators of his loving presence in the world. We can discover to see our life through the eyes of the heart, in how God looks upon the world.

The second is that Jesus walks with us and comes to meet us each day. We are called to encounter him and become familiar with his voice. There is a longing that we find in scripture, in receiving him in communion and in meeting him in our prayers which transforms our encounters with each other. It calls us to see the face of Christ in each person we meet. This allows us to not be afraid of his voice even when he calls us on our final journey home. We can start to appreciate its resonance, tone and tenure which allows us to know that he calls us to live each day.

The last point is that we cannot expect somebody else to do this for us. While it is good to offer intercession for each other and none of us journey alone each of us is called to respond to the loving invitation to know him and follow him. This calls each day to be an opportunity where we wake up to the possibility that this is the day. This is a call to the mission which does not wait for the perfect day or the perfect moment but calls us to see how we can be renewed this day. Out soul is thirsting for the Lord. Let us be present to the times that Jesus meets us on the way and walks close by our side.