Fourth Sunday of Advent Reflection
by Amy Eubanks, Director of Adult Faith Formation
Over 20 years ago, my parish in Cincinnati included this reflection in the bulletin:
Nothing is more practical than
finding God, that is than
Falling In Love
in a quite absolute final way.
What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.
It will decide
what will get you out of bed
in the morning,
what you do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read, who you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with
joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love
and it will decide everything.
Pedro Arrupe, SJ
In the years since, I’ve found it to be a centering point to which I return again and again. The desire to keep finding more of God is my compass in our broken world, pointing me in my own brokenness toward the good Lord. It reminds me I have one true job with simple directions — to keep growing in Love with God. Everything in life is an opportunity to do so, or a distraction that can lead me away.
In this Christmas season, it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of shopping, presents, cooking, hosting, etc. As we enter this fourth week of Advent, let’s take a moment to rest in the love of the Lord and remember the reason for the season.
- Pray with the Gospel today: Matthew 1:18-24
- How did Joseph grow in his response to God’s love? How did that response, amidst serious distractions, “decide everything” and change the course for all of us?
- As I await the birth of Jesus, how is God waiting for me to grow deeper in His Love? What distractions separate me from His Love? How do I offer His love to all whom I encounter?
- How do I experience God’s love for me?