Reflection
Before Advent even arrived, I had my To-Do-List going. This was going to be the year when I was organized! Then reality and reflection set in. As I read today’s Gospel, I wondered what role I am playing in meeting my expectations; the role of the first son or that of the second? As the season continues, I still find myself wrestling with expectations, saying no to some things and hoping that it will provide a more stress-free season, or saying yes to things that I know I cannot or will not get done.
A few weeks ago, I expressed to a friend how overwhelmed I had become in spite of my efforts to experience a more peace-filled season. She, too, was reflecting on how she is embracing the season and would meet the needs of her family. Our conversation turned to the importance of preparing our home crèches, cherished gifts handed down from our respective mothers. In those tableaux, we both find a special message of the season.
It’s really not about how much we intend to do and it is not, as in the case of the second son, about telling everyone how much we will do. It is the humble opening, re-opening, of our hearts quietly to what the Father asks of us. Each figure in the manger scene reminds us that it is the actions we take and share, no matter how large or small, when given with love, create the beauty of this season and reveal the love of God embodied in Jesus’ place in our homes and in our lives.
As the first son in Matthew’s gospel refocused his personal choice and turned to the request of his father, we are gifted in Advent with an opportunity to seek out what is important and turn our efforts in that direction.
Colleen Mauricio, PhD ‘74
Retired Teacher, Nazareth School