Traditionally in the season of Advent the liturgy invites us into a period of waiting. The scriptures remind us “to stay awake” The prophet Isaiah repeats the message of empowerment and hope over injustice.
I offer you my thoughts on the theme of waiting and staying awake while responding to prophet Isaiah, “Courage! Do not be afraid”. Is 35:4
To wait is to stop your routine activities in anticipation of another event. Experiences of waiting include – waiting for a medical appointment, the bus /train/plane to depart, waiting in a shop/post office queue and waiting on the day of a significant event to arrive to name a few. While I wait, I often allow my mind to drift off to another activity, to think about something else. I am either recalling the past or planning the future.
Staying awake invites me to be alert, to take notice of what is happening in my immediate surroundings and beyond. To take note of how I interact with others.
The majority of adverts these weeks are of people gathering to enjoy each other’s company, sharing food, drink, conversation and music. There is no doubt that all of us will receive at least one invitation to engage with family, friends, work colleagues, religious community or the local parish. My thoughts also go out to those who observe from a distance for a variety of reasons. The Advent scriptures invite us to be alert and that means to include everyone. The late Pope Francis reminded us in Fratelli Tutti, the world exists for everyone, because all of us were born with the same dignity. #118
The questions are whom do I notice? Who are the people in my daily life that receive recognition from me? As a Sister of the Holy Family of Bordeaux, I am invited through these readings to reflect on my attitudes and behaviours to ensure that my encounters with others promote communion, attentive listening and dialogue. Waiting and staying awake challenge me to live in the present moment. Living in the present moment requires concentration and a conscious effort.
The word “hostility” is often used in media articles, it basically means being unfriendly towards another person. To deny the other person compassion, kindness and respect. When I choose to put the words of Isaiah, “Courage! Do not be afraid”, into practice then I will actively reach out to those who are lonely, marginalised and experiencing discrimination. In this season of Advent let us remember that someone on the streets of our vicinity is waiting to be recognised. This requires me to be alert to the gifts I already have and explore the ways I can make a difference to the life of another person. We all have a choice – the question is are you willing to take up the challenge?
Catherine Lavery