Hope Amid the Uncertainties of Life

The new Church year has arrived and with it also the season of Advent. Advent is the season of hope. It offers us hope in the middle of the turmoil and problems of life that we experience each day. Even with the problems of the pandemic still a large part of our lives, we can look with hope for a better future. This hope comes from Christ. In this season he comes to be born in our hearts. We also focus on hope, renewal, preparation. We look with anticipation and joy at the arrival of Christ at Christmas.

The word Advent itself comes from the word “Adventus”, which means arrival. We reflect on the arrival of Christ in time and anticipate celebrating his birth. We prepare to celebrate that day spiritually. We are also reminded of the second coming of Christ. Advent also reminds us that Christ is present with us each day. He is in the Eucharist, in scripture, in all the sacraments and in his people.

This year we will be hearing from the writings of St Luke at Sunday Mass. The readings for this season urge us to be prepared and to stay awake for the second coming of Christ. The readings speak of peace. There is a quietness, that contradicts the fears and hopelessness that many see in the world around us. It provides us with an opportunity to seek forgiveness, draw us closer to God and reconcile with those around us.

Psalm 130 verse 5 tells us “My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise”. We have hope. Just as the people in Christ’s time hoped for centuries for the arrival of the Messiah, we too wait. We wait to commemorate his birth in time. We hope for the establishment of God’s kingdom in the world.

We have 4 weeks to prepare for Christmas to come into our hearts. This time should be used to prepare for Christ’s coming into our lives especially at this time of year. But we cannot keep the Christ child all to ourselves. He must be made visible through us to the people in our community. Many are in need of peace. Many lack peace in families, with friends, in employment, housing, health. They lack friendships. They lack hope and many lack joy. Let us bring them that hope.

May Christ give us the ability to let our light shine forth for others to bring hope amid the uncertainties of life.

Merry Christmas
Deacon John Girolami