Advent watching and waiting for Jesus - Dec 19, 2009

Advent is a time for watching and waiting for Jesus to be born in our world. Mary was one who waited within and without. She listened deeply to the message of God sent to her by Gabriel. Her response was “Let it be done to me according to your word. Mary is the one who pondered and treasured the word of God spoken to her heart. But Mary also waited “without” as she “proceeds in haste to the hill country” to be with her kinswoman Elizabeth. Her listening led her to be of service to others. Whom do we have to “proceed in haste” to during this season? Is it to a person grieving over the loss of a loved one? Is it to a family dealing with a love one who is presently close to death? Is it to some neighbor whose house is close to foreclosure? Is it to a family
whose loved one has recently been deployed to Afghanistan? Human suffering has taken on unique forms during this sacred season. Right in the middle of Mary’s service to Elizabeth she feels “the infant leaping in her womb.” Yes our God comes between people as Martin Briber reminds us. During this season be attentive to your relationships. For it is there that “word becomes flesh and dwells among us.” Just a few quick notes about the upcoming week. Please notice Walter Fitzhugh’s “View from the Pew”. Father Luke and I will be available December 23 (Wednesday) from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for confessions. Think about stopping in on your way home from work or after running errands. Also notice the late evening mass for Christmas is a bit earlier now (10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.)

Fr. Bob Hawkins