Saturday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

When I think of Advent I think of new beginnings. It is the time we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, a time of hope and joy, and celebration. It is a time of miracles. While some people think of Advent as cute calendars with windows that are filled with a treat, there is so much more to it to me. It comes at the end of the calendar year, a time when we can reflect on our own lived year and consider how we can be closer to our faith in the coming year.

In the reading, Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Lectionary: 180, the theme of hope and new beginnings is clear: "The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst." This is a powerful image of how we are not alone in our journeys, reminding us we have someone watching over us and taking care of us. While there is a lot of want and need in the world one of the most remarkable things about Advent is it brings out the generosity in people to help others. In volunteering, making donations, we find most of us have enough, with room to spare. It changes our perspective on our own lives, needs and wants. "This is the way; walk in it." I remember in Sunday School each year during Advent we were told to go in our bedrooms, close the door, then open it inviting Jesus into our lives. It was a powerful action, that I still do today. I feel less alone, that there is guidance, my troubles seem less powerful, and I always feel more ready to take on the new year, with a fresh new perspective on how I will show up to myself, to others and in my faith.

Catherine Collela-Graham
Lecturer of Management, St. Francis College