
AWAKEN
Advent Reflections
by
the Oblates & Sisters of the
Sisterhood of St. John the Divine
These Advent Reflections
are offered
to the Glory of God,
in loving memory of,
and with deepest gratitude for
our Beloved in Christ
with
heartfelt thanksgiving
for the companionship
and faithful prayers
of
the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine,
our extended SSJD family of
Associates, Oblates and
and many friends
“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
AWAKEN!
“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31
“Awaken!”, the theme for this year’s Oblate Advent reflections, was chosen during our Triennial last May. The 3-day gathering took place online and although we would have preferred meeting in-person, thankfully the technology cooperated, enabling us to share meaningful time together.
In significant ways, the pandemic has distorted our sense of time. Months seem to fly by, yet days and weeks drag on and on. It can feel like an uphill slog at times – sociologists even have a name for it: “pandemic fatigue”. We’re worn out, worn down by precautions and restrictions. Lack of social activities with friends and family, or even solo activities of exercise and travel, have, for many, resulted in boredom, depression, even acute frustration, leading some to ask “What’s the point?!” As people give into despair, tossing masks and distancing aside, this has caused an increased number of cases and the cycle continues.
How desperately we need Advent! Its themes of love, joy, peace and hope awaken in us the promises we know to be true. So then, let us yawn, stretch our limbs and loosen those stiff joints! As we rub pandemic sleep from our eyes, may we see that everything, from our seasonal preparations to the prophetic words echoing down the centuries, contains the power to awaken us to the true work of this holy season: the transformation of the world, beginning with the renewal of our faith and the awakening of our hearts to the needs of others.
May these little embers, the lectio of our lives, awaken within you renewed courage, for it is indeed Good News that our God dwells among us and seeks to restore the whole creation.
Frances Drolet-Smith
REFLECTIONS FOR 2022 WILL APPEAR DAILY STARTING ON NOVEMBER 27TH.
If you would like to subscribe to the Advent Reflections mailing list, please click the button above for our ‘safesubscribe’ sign- up form.
We look forward to having you join us.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, Latin 1156B, fol. 82r. Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2,8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Isaiah
Saturday , December 5, 2020
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26 Psalm 147:1-12 Matthew 9:35-10:1,5-8 Recently, I tried an experiment, and cut the bottom off a celery stalk and the bottom
Friday , December 4, 2020
Isaiah 29:17-24 Psalm 27:1-6, 17-18 Matthew 9:27-31 In the last six months, “Believe in Jesus” has been the constant mantra for many Christians. In the advice given on
Thursday , December 3, 2020
Isaiah 26:1-6 Psalm 118:19-24 Matthew 7:21-27 We were sitting on the lawn on our fold-up chairs, six feet apart, eating Thai take-out and
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 23 Matthew 15:29-39 Psalm 23:4—Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are
Tuesday , December 1, 2020
Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-8 Luke 10:21-24 When we read all of Luke 10 to learn more about “the seventy others,” we find
Monday, November 30, 2020
Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Matthew 8:5-13 This passage in Matthew demonstrates an exceptionally strong profession of faith. What is marvellous, indeed incredible about this
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 Advent is upon us, and the readings give me a sense