1st Sunday of Advent

Today marks the 1st Sunday of Advent. In church, we are also starting a new liturgical year with the use of Year C book for mass. Have not been able to attend mass for a couple of weeks and was actually looking forward to today. Because Advent is a season of waiting, waiting for Jesus to come. And with Advent, there are 4 themes as signified by the lighting of 1 candle each week. This week's theme is hope. I remember that last year, was rather fascinated to learn about Advent and its 4 themes, so much so that was almost inspired to make a card for my friend based on the themes.

Father Gerard's homily related closely to the gospel, where the central message was vigilance in waiting for Jesus to come. He reminded parents how they should be more mindful of where their teenage children were frequenting especially during this festive season. Indeed, this festive season is very much commercialized and modern people, like us, have taken to its commercialized meaning (which includes parties, giving presents etc) more and more.

Tried to read today's WAU in order to recollect the readings. Particularly, there was this part that stood out:

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Perhaps the best answer is that we should be watching over our own lives, asking how we can become more like Jesus.

Advent is the perfect time to put in some extra vigilance in this area. We could ask ourselves: If Jesus were to come back today, is there anything in my life that might cause me to be ashamed or uncomfortable? Are there attitudes in my heart that are not pleasing to the Lord?

http://www.wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=3&year=2006

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Yes, there are attitudes in my heart that ain't pleasing at all. For example, I can get over anxious over stuff (especially at work recently) and make myself worry excessively. And sometimes, due to my thinking too much, I do not pay attention to other equally important things. That could be why I slipped and fell last weekend.. Also, my temper and moralistic nature coupled with pride could definitely do with some improvement. Afterall, who am I and what authority do I have to judge what other people are doing? I recall the facilitators covering the sin of pride with us in RCIA. Though I may not be attending RCIA for now, it is still no excuse for me to continue with that behaviour. That reminds me of the discipleship retreat and how much efforts it really takes to exercise true discipleship. Yes, it is not easy to do so. Thankfully, the next paragraph in the WAU article offers encouragement for us to be able to overcome our attitudes that are not pleasing to the Lord. We just have to ask for God's grace to help us and be patient as he helps us. I guess in God's plan, we cannot use the same modern day society buzzwords like "efficiency" to measure. He knows when is best. We just have to be open to him helping us :)

"Lord, help us to focus centrally on you and your teachings even when we are busy with our lives. I also ask for your grace in helping to address the attitudes in my heart that could be better improved. In your son, Jesus' name, I say this prayer to you. Amen."