Daily Reflection Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

  I am sure that what my ears, eyes, and heart are taking in these days resonate with you, dear Reader. The continual attacks and murders on our streets and the ongoing wars can jolt us into a negative whirlwind. Where is our God in all of this mess?  We pray Psalm 23 today: “Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.” God is inviting us to slow down as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas. After all, isn’t that what Advent is all about? We can’t imbibe the negative nor allow horrible wars to penetrate us. Our Scripture readings during Advent are filled with hope.

    Isaiah tells us that God will destroy the veil that veils all people. Individually, we may not have the means to broker peace among the fighting nations. We can do only what is within our individual power. So, our own natural gifts and grace can give us the wisdom and understanding of each other. We remember that refusal to accept one another’s race, nationality, sexual orientation, and faith tradition begins with angry thoughts and words—then escalates to private wars and public wars. If we allow any kind of unkindness to gestate in our hearts, we are stifling God’s love.

    In our gospel today, Matthew tells us that the ordinary common people follow Jesus to the point of experiencing hunger. What Jesus offers the people is daily sustenance, an understanding of how valuable they are as ordinary people. He cures them of illnesses, so they can better care for themselves and for their families. Jesus teaches us to look out for each other, to encourage each other to be our better selves. That spiritual bolstering is called hope. The liturgical season of Advent reminds us that we received the virtue of hope in Baptism. Each day as we sit in our conversation with God, we ask to be aware of those suffering. We ask then to respond generously with our own gifts.

    Just like the people who came to Jesus for nourishment and healing, we also open our hearts and allow God to forgive, nourish, and heal us. We then offer these same gifts to others. Since we are celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas today, forgiving, nourishing, and healing are perfect gifts!

Psalm 23—Japanese Version

The Lord is my pace-setter;

I shall not rush.

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness

which restore my serenity.

He leads me in the way of efficiency

through calmness of mind

and His guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things

to accomplish each day,

I will not fret

for His presence is here.

His timelessness,

His all-importance

will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal

                                              in the midst of my activity     

by anointing my mind

with his oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness

shall be the fruit of my hours

for I shall walk at the pace of the Lord

and dwell in His house forever