Pastor's Spiritual Reflections

By Fr. Leo Schneider (12/02/2007)

Dear People of God,

Can our lives be more filled with God? If so, how do we become more God-filled?

Advent is a time we focus on God’s coming to us in each moment of our lives, just as he was born into time thousands of years ago. We celebrate in this season a God who comes to be born in us again and again each day. So yes, our lives can be more filled with God, because God desires to enter fully into our minds, bodies and souls in every moment.

If this hasn’t happened yet, how is it going to happen now? How do we become more God-filled? First, we must recognize that it is God who comes to us, and his invitation and entering into our lives is the work of his Holy Spirit. However, for God to be born in us we must give our consent like Mary, truly giving ourselves to the Lord.

In this sense we must truly desire the Lord to be a part of our lives. God will not force his intimacy upon us. That is why we pray, Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus, in this season of Advent. If our prayer is authentic, then we will at the same time, make room for the Lord in our lives. This is our way of making straight the path of the Lord in our lives.

Beginning the day in silent reflection is key. Rather than rushing to the pot of coffee, jumping in the shower and racing off to work, we can get up a little earlier and make some room for God at the beginning of the day. The time spent in letting the day and letting God come to us will change the whole day. Our anxieties will decrease, our self-confidence will rise and our own way will be made straight, because we will live with a consciousness of God through the whole day.

It is then we will put things into perspective. Christmas will be more about family, friends and the needy who need us. Our preparation for Christmas will change as we find each day, the one we await living in and among us. Our gift buying can become a celebration of the ones we love, praying for them and picking out something for them, as an expression of our love, that will help them in their journey.

Making a list and taking a day to reflect on an appropriate gift or card for that person, makes our gift giving meaningful and an expression of our faith and love. Maybe taking the time to write a note to go with our gift and saying what we mean from the heart, is real gift giving, as opposed to just handing a box to someone with their name on it.

This is one way to help us make this season the Advent of God and not just another holiday to run after, expending energy that doesn’t bring us lasting peace. Let us take time then to let the Lord come to us in the quiet of the morning. It is then we will hear his voice, know his presence and be filled with his peace. Then God will be with us and Christmas will be here.

God bless you!

In Christ Peace, Fr. Leo