Advent calls us to greatness

From Safari…..

Veronica was a spunky little lady. At eighty five, she swam laps every day in the pool. She loved people and they loved her. An academic she studied everything from Thomas

Merton to Ira Progoff. She spent time as a spiritual director and helping out where she could. Her hearing impairment allowed her hearing aid to become a means of instantaneous centering. Finger to ear, she would switch off the hearing aid - -- and that, quite simply, was that. She then found herself alone with God.

She died unexpectedly, when the car she was a passenger in, collided with a logging truck. Her funeral celebrated a life lived right. As her casket left the chapel, everyone stood --- rich, poor, black, white, Mexican, Catholic, Protestant, and Moslem --- and spontaneously applauded. It was as if a voice could be heard saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.”

She didn’t preach but the way she lived her life spoke volumes of who she was and whom she served. Her witness prepared the hearts of others to receive God.

John’s disciples asked Jesus, “Are you the one to come or should we look for another.” Jesus answer was not yes or no. He didn’t launch into a long explanation starting with Abraham. Or give a seminar on the type of messiah he was. Rather he replies, go tell John what you see and hear --- the blind regain sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

We are reminded today that actions often speak louder than words. If people inquired whether you were a Christian, what response would be given? Do your actions speak volumes of who you are and whom you serve? Would people say of you ---

She never speaks ill of anyone; He will do anything for anybody; She always greets you with a smile; He is a person of prayer; she comforts the grieving, brings hope to the despairing, and loving care to the sick and lonely.

Advent calls us to greatness. Greatness does not come from headlines, pictures in the newspaper, awards, or having streets and buildings named in your honor. Greatness comes in our actions of service. Service is being obedient to God’s call and mission in our life. A call and mission we each receive through baptism.

Through our service we prepare the way for God to enter into the hearts of another as Veronica did, as John the Baptist did.

We prepare the hearts of those who are blind so they can see God’s goodness. We prepare the hearts of those who are burdened by fear, anxiety, and sinfulness so they can hear God’s words – do not be afraid, do not worry, you are forgiven, and you are loved. We prepare the hearts of those who are dead through our lively faith so that they can be energized the Holy Spirit.

Continued blessings on your Advent days!

Fr. Ron