These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will take you back. In an outburst of wrath, for a moment I hid my face from you; But with enduring love I take pity on you, says the Lord, your redeemer. Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you. (Is 54:1-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121522.cfm
My love shall never leave you . . . that is the enduring love of our God. In a world where division and violence seem to hold sway, Advent proclaims God’s undying love for us in Christ whose coming we await with joyful hope.
Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up! I, the LORD, have created this. (Is 456c,-8, 18, 21c-25)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121422.cfm
The Responsorial Psalm invites us to pray: Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. The work of justice is God’s work. We are called to share in bringing creation to its fulfillment. Advent prepares us to welcome the coming of the Just One as we celebrate his birth among us. We proclaim what we have seen and heard: that in Christ kindness and truth have met, justice and peace have kissed. Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591) taught the church that emotions can bring us to God through prayer and contemplation. He referred to God as “Amado mío” (My Beloved).
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” (Mt 21:28-32)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121322.cfm
If the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God . . . then there’s hope for the rest of us! Saint Lucy’s feast became very popular in the northern countries before the calendar reform in 1582. Her feast, December 13, had become the winter solstice due to calendar drift. That’s why the feast for this young virgin martyr of the early church was filled with lighted candles . . . even today!
God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121222.cfm
In the year 1531, during the horrors of La Conquista (the Conquest), God gave a sign of favor to the indigenous peoples of the so-called “New World.” The Virgin Mary appeared to an indigenous man on the hill of Tepeyac, outside of what would become Mexico City. The Lady spoke in his own language and told him "I am your loving Mother.” In the 10 years following the apparitions, over 11 million indigenous were baptized. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the “patroness of conquered nations and captive peoples.” With more than 20 million visitors yearly, the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe is the most visited Catholic shrine of in the world.
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. (James 5:7-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121122.cfm
Patience is a virtue hard won. As kids we used to say that something was “as slow as Christmas.” Advent reminds us that the Lord is near: the Judge is standing before the gates. And so this Gaudete Sunday the church, with Saint Paul, invites us: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.
