It is not about us! In my ministry, I am most effective when I empty myself and totally focus on the other. Remember that prayer we were taught in primary school? ‘Lord Jesus, be so in me that others may look up and see, no longer me, but only Thee.’ Attributed to Cardinal John Henry Newman, this simple prayer reminds us that it is about Christ, not us.

Once again, Isaiah invites us into relationship with a God who ‘holds your right hand’ and whispers to your heart, ‘Do not be afraid, I will help you.’ The phrase, ‘Do not be afraid’, is probably the most common phrase in Sacred Scripture. Often, what follows is also so important: ‘I am with you.’ Isaiah reminds us, yet again, that our God will provide water for the thirsty and the desert lands will abound with forests.

Like John, we are a conduit for the Kingdom of God, the reign of God within our world. As John so beautifully says in John 3:30, ‘He must increase but I must decrease.’ Some would suggest that the word ‘disciple’ means one who listens deeply. John listens deeply. John is humble. He points to ‘the one who is to come.’

But to listen in this way means that we must quieten our ego. We must find times and spaces of quiet. We must block out the noise and the rush of life so as to be attuned to the voice of the shepherd deep within. Slowly, we will grow kingdom eyes to truly see. Slowly, we will grow kingdom ears to truly hear. Then we will know we are living Advent well.

by Br Damien Price cfc