1st Sunday of Advent 27 November 2022 Out of trouble
The liturgical year gives us a mixture of high and low points. We value the high points more, if we have reflected on where we would be without them. So we will enjoy Christmas more if we have been through Advent.
We need to know how much trouble we were in before we can celebrate getting out of that trouble. If we are lost, for example, we are glad when we see familiar landmarks.
The same applies in the spiritual life, though the need there may not be so evident.
One could be far from God, not in a state of grace, and that is certainly a form of trouble, but not necessarily one that the person recognizes.
It is possible, though very unwise, to live this earthly life as though we did not need God, as though all our happiness could be found here on earth.
We need a vision of reality that is broader than just the everyday running about. It would be a great pity if our lives just ended and there was nothing more to come. No redemption, no resurrection.
But there is a great deal more, and we find it in God. We have a deep need for Him and He is ready to supply that need.
In the Advent season we can ask ourselves: what if there were no Christmas? What if Christ never came? How desolate we would be.
But He did come, and we go back to that fact to regain faith, hope and charity.
We anticipate also His second coming, which will complete His glorious victory over sin and death.
People complain about God for not doing more to repair all that is wrong in the world.
He does act but just in different ways than we expect. There is often a clash of priorities. Not many people would be likely to identify union with God as their main need. Yet that is what God Himself would tell us.
God acts to bring people to believe in Him, to acknowledge Him as God, and themselves as humble servants; to focus on Him rather than their own problems.
Seek first the kingdom and all else will be provided for you (cf Mt 6,33).
Why is it so hard to see this? Sin obscures the vision and creates multiple distractions.
Too many cooks spoil the broth, they say. Well, in the faith world there are definitely too many cooks, all trying to tell God what to do, instead of humbly complying with what he wants.
God is able to work it all around even if we do not cooperate. But we here do want to cooperate, asking forgiveness, praying for everything good to happen, asking God to come and take over our hearts and minds.
He wants to help everyone, even those complaining, but on His terms. He wants to transform people to a state of kindness, mercy, gratitude, generosity and a host of related qualities.
Yes, the other troubles need attention too, but none of them is the worst problem. The worst problem is when people ignore God and make their own false gods.
We are in trouble but there is a solution, and we pursue that solution, all the while expressing gratitude that God gives us so many chances to get this right.
It is like we are rehearsing a play, and we can redo the scene if it is not working out.
All this is presupposed in our various prayers, Advent and otherwise. We are being saved; it is a process which we depend upon and can help to make it work.
Come, Lord Jesus.
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