It takes a significant amount of courage and humility to face our own rough edges, but how do we embrace those characteristics? All of our Advent readings can point us towards the right frame of mind to grow this Season. If we really pay attention to what God is telling us, these readings can help us to feel confident that Jesus is truly with us, no matter what challenges we face.
This is the type of confidence, the kind that only comes from God, that gave today's Saint, Saint Ambrose, the courage to teach and live the Gospel message in difficult times.
I thought of this as I reflected on a person who asked me to pray for their spouse; the spouse being upset with a particular church teaching and who was struggling to come to Mass.
I told them that I would pray for their spouse to receive God's grace, so that their loved one could return to their faith community.
My guess is that everyone has a family member wrestling with the faith. This particular conversation came just after we heard about John the Baptist's call for all of us to repent and come to the Lord.
So often, when we hear the word repentance, we think of expressing sorrow—and that's true, but there's more. The translation of the Greek word metanoia describes a change of mind, heart, and attitude by turning toward God and away from misunderstandings, falsehoods, and certainly evil. But as we know, it's a process, really a lifelong challenge.
During this season of Advent, we're being led to look at obstacles that get in the way of us fully following Jesus. Things similar to the mountains, valleys, and rough roads which cause us to get discouraged or anxious--past or present situations or relationships that are causing us to hesitate to pray, go to Confession or Mass, and have a real relationship with Jesus.
Shortly after my conversation, a man approached and asked me to bless a wood carving he'd made for a friend who is homebound. As he took it out of the simple bag, I was amazed. It was a beautiful depiction of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lovingly holding a young sheep. That's the answer to our fears, frustrations, and any other impediment to following Jesus. That image reminds us of the care and love that Jesus has for us, no matter how far we stray.
My brothers and sisters, our job in this relationship is to take the time to reflect and pray about who God is and who we are, the time to humbly recognize the rough edges that we need God to help us smooth out or the wounds we need help to heal. St. Ambrose gives us an example of courageously being honest with ourselves, God, and others.
May God bless you and your families this holy day as we pray for God's grace to smooth the road we walk with our families and all those He brings into our lives this Advent Season!
