Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Even though we don’t often stop our busy lives to experience it the Advent season is an exciting journey. It can have its highs and low. It is about repentance and expectation.
 
At times the Advent season can seem a little bleak with the somber notes of O Come O Come Emmanuel playing a continual loop in our minds. In this second week of Advent God is reminding us of the urgent hopefulness that is a critical part of the Advent journey. The fiery image of Elijah in the first reading illustrates the power and glory of God, reminding us of what is at stake which can be anxiety producing. And yet the reading ends with equally beautiful imagery by telling us that if at the end of the day we fall asleep in our friendship with God we will be blessed.
 
On the surface the word choice of falling asleep may seem like a passive act, but it really is communicating the opposite.  We need a deep and rich relationship with God, so strong that we know each other in and out. This, like all good relationships, requires work. It means we must engage in the process of getting to know God. Advent is a time of preparing, we do this through working on knowing and loving God.
 
Have a great Saturday everyone!