Friday, December 23, 2016  |
|
Book of Hours, Visitation, Walters Manuscript W.267, fol. 38r
|
 |
|
MS 3: Book of Hours (France, post-1450; Latin)
|
Show me the light of your countenance…
During the life of the Lord on earth, there were many reasons for sorrow, tears and suffering. He, out of his compassion, healed the paralytic, the blind, and Peter’s mother in law. He cast out demons from many. He raised the widow’s son and Lazarus.
The beginnings of joy broke through the gloom of one November Sunday morning, the first of Advent, when he hung a small wreath and a nativity painting in his cell by the Italian painter Fra Filippo Lippi.
Mary was full of joy because she was carrying God's son. I have never known the joy of having a child but the biggest joy is the love I share with my partner. |
|
Horae ad usum Parisiensem [Grandes Heures de Jean de Berry].
|
The first good joy that Mary had,
'Biblical joy', as experienced by Martha in the narrative of John 11: 17-44, tells of the raising of Lazarus by Jesus. This miracle convinced me that often during our trials in life Jesus comes to us, not only at the moment of realising that this must be an answer to prayer, but upon reflection, Jesus has been preparing us for a moment of God's joy, a joy that will never leave our hearts. Martha reflected on conversations she had with Jesus and did not forget His words: “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” In my view, Martha's reflections on Jesus conversations with her brought a joy that no one could ever take away from her. Jesus raised her beloved brother from the dead!
You will have had your own experience of standing on holy ground. The Celts tell of “thin places”... where the boundary of heaven and earth seems to collapse. Perhaps your experience of a thin place has been a holy spot such as Iona or Lindisfarne, or at our own Convent, or during an especially deep time of meditation in your home, or while walking a labyrinth; a time when you knew you were standing on holy ground and the Presence of God was profound.
In April 2012, the physician at the walk-in clinic immediately directed me to the emergency department at the hospital after she thrice checked my increasing blood pressure. First I went home to leave my car and jewelry, picked up my book of God’s promises, and called a cab.
‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ says Psalm 122:6. Pray for the peace of the world screams my heart! We in Canada see only the horror and devastation of the war in the Middle East through the lenses of the media. Most of us cannot comprehend people walking for days or sailing across seas in bits of tin boats, fleeing with the hope of gaining sanctuary where there is no war. 
I came across a young man sitting on the concrete in front of a little food shop, leaning against the wall, holding a baby bird cupped in his hands. I walked over to see and sat down. He said he’d found the bird on the ground where he’d slept last night. It must have fallen from a tree. It was quiet and still, and the boy tenderly stroked its feathers with a finger. We talked. He asked if I’d like to hold the little bird.
With grateful hearts
these Advent Reflections
are offered to
the Glory of God,
and to the extended
SSJD family of
Associates, Oblates &
and many friends,
in thanksgiving for
for our companionship
in Christ.
“Grace to you and peace –
I always thank God because I hear of your love
for all the saints and your faith in the Lord Jesus.”
Philemon 1: 3-4
This year’s cover art is the work of one of our Oblates, and reminds us of the intricate patterns found in the artwork of The Book of Kells or the Lindisfarne  Gospels. The knot is a vivid, visual example of the Celtic peoples love for creation, and of their profound understanding of the inter-connectedness of the created order. These illuminations, as they are known, are made up of individual yet interwoven strands, forming a compelling image that speaks of both wholeness and interdependence. In the same way that a strong cord is made up of many strands so too is the fabric of our lives. Woven out of the many strands including faith, family, vocation, community, and gifts, they intersect in multiple ways, giving shape to who we are, beloved creations of God. These ancient designs are metaphors for our Christian journey. As the individual strands meander back and forth, they may follow paths we might not have expected. Some parts of the path may seem predictable, dull even, but we may also encounter some surprises. The blessing for us is that there are no dead-ends, for if we follow the path, it will always lead us back to the Source. During Advent, we’re invited to make an interior journey.
This year, the Advent season lasts a full four weeks, ample time to set about preparing the way for the coming of the Christ Child - into the world and into our hearts. These daily reflections are an invitation to experience more fully the true Advent gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love as we seek to embrace the One who knows and loves us best.
It is our prayer that these little embers, the lectio of our lives, will provide food for the journey. Written by 22 Oblates and 6 Sisters, these daily offerings include a suggested reading. We welcome your company as the stories of our lives intersect with the larger story - born for - and in us, once more.
|
