By Bishop James Conley
As the Church celebrates these last days of the liturgical year, the readings at Mass move us to ponder the end times—the reality of Christ’s second coming to our world, in which we know not the day or the hour. Moreover, these readings motivate us to contemplate our own end, namely, the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell.
My patron saint, the newly-canonized St. John Henry Newman, made the connection between the change of seasons at this time in the year and the change of liturgical seasons in the life of the Church.
Newman wrote: “the very frost and cold, rain and gloom, which now befall us, forebode the last dreary days of the world, and in religious hearts raise the thought of them…. Spring, summer, autumn, each in turn, have brought their gifts and done their utmost, but they are over the end is come…These are feelings for holy men in winter and in age, waiting, in some dejection perhaps, but with comfort on the whole, and calmly though earnestly, for the advent of Christ.”
St. John Newman wrote these thoughts undoubtedly with his beloved Britain in mind, but he might as well be describing the climate of the Nebraska.
Here in Nebraska, on a natural level, this time of year forces us to settle down. The temperature drops. The leaves fall. We prepare for cold, icy, and snowy weather.
Maybe we look at this time of year with disdain, frustration, or as something that we merely have to endure. Perhaps we look with a touch of jealousy at those who live in a more temperate climate as our weather turns cold.
I like to think about this time of year in the Midwest as a time to slow down, pondering what our lives are really all about. It’s a time for families to sit down, have a meal together, and spend greater time together.
Our modern world moves very quickly. Thus, we are tempted to live our lives in a fast-paced manner, where we more or less react to the environment around us.
During this time of year leading up to Christmas there can be much anxiety in our lives. This time of year is filled with parties, Christmas shopping, programs. These are all wonderful things that can bring great joy to our lives.
However, if we are not careful, the hustle and bustle of the season can also cause unrest within our souls.
Allow the colder weather and slower pace of life during these winter months to be a time of reflection and peace, encountering the Lord in a more profound way.
This Sunday starts the season of Advent. A true celebration of the season of Advent is always a challenge given all of the activities of the season. I invite you to enter this season of Advent this year with open, loving, and longing hearts.
Advent is essentially a season of waiting. Waiting is a part of our everyday lives, and so it is fitting that we have an entire liturgical season characterized by waiting and longing.
In God’s providential plan, he revealed himself gradually through the people of Israel, which began his work of salvation. The patient longing of God’s holy people for a savior was part of his plan.
In this season of Advent, we, in a sense, place ourselves in the shoes of the ancient Israelites, our forefathers in the faith. In doing this, we come to realize the great work that the Lord has done in the world leading up to the time of Jesus.
God made the Israelites his holy people as he entered into a covenant with them. In this covenant, the Lord promised the patriarch Abraham that he would be the “father of many nations” (Gen 17:4).
The descendants of Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel, became the 12 tribes of Israel. Within these tribes, God called prophets to speak his word, priests to offer sacrifices, and later, kings to lead his people.
My prayer and invitation for you is to “take advantage” of the change of season during this time of year, especially within the context of the season of Advent.
This is a great time of year to increase our time in prayer. It is through prayer that we encounter the Lord and receive his love. Perhaps take extra time to read the Scripture, meditating upon the Word of God. Knowing that this time of year can bring about low spirits, it is a great time to visit someone who is sick or lonely.
May the Lord bless you during this Advent season. I pray that it will be a time to make more room for Christ in your lives and to stir up a greater longing for him in your hearts.
