In this first week of Advent, the prophet Isaiah lays out for us a blueprint for this sacred journey. Over the coming weeks, if we truly embrace the spirit of Advent, we will journey to the house of the God of Jacob ‘that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ And where will this journey take us? We will become instruments of justice, bringing about the reign of God within our world. Yes, we shall ‘beat swords into ploughshares, spears into pruning hooks and nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore’ (Isaiah 2:3-4). Later in Advent, the coming Messiah will be referred to as the Prince of Peace.

Advent is not just a season; it’s a journey of faith, a journey towards a deeper faith. A well-lived Advent will not only lead us to Christmas morning, but it will also leave us with eyes that can see the face of God in all we meet, ears that can hear the cry of the poor and the courage for our feet to walk to where Jesus would have walked. When Jesus encounters the Roman Centurion, he encounters both humility and faith. ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.’

Each day of this Advent season, let us quieten our racing mind and reach out and up and allow God’s hand to take ours out into mission. It is God’s Kingdom, not ours. Each day of this Advent season, let us trust and believe and nurture our fragile faith, and listen for the whisper of love deep within that, which if heard, will reveal Emmanuel in the people and events of our lives!

By Br Damien Price cfc