Second Sunday of Advent Reflection

Weekly Reflections

by Janis Lovecchio, Director of RCIA

“Be at peace and put aside all anxious thought and imaginations.”

— St. Frances de Sales

The second purple candle on the Advent wreath that we light this week represents peace. In this season of heightened stress and busyness, peace seems almost unattainable. The verse on my coffee mug advises that, “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” This seems to suggest that the Advent peace longed for this season is not achieved by running from what troubles you. Rather, this peace might be found by simply moving toward the moments of quiet surrender that can be found in prayer. What is occupying your attention this Advent season? Is it fear, anxiety, busyness? Consider taking time to move toward the peace of stillness and prayer. The Daily Examen described below is one way of doing this.

The Examen of Consciousness is a method of reviewing the day in the presence of God. Adapted from a technique described by St. Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises, it is an attitude of thankful reflection on how God is present in everyday life. It’s not complicated and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Although there are typically five steps to this prayer, the concern should not be with finishing them all. Its goal is a deeper relationship with God and not with merely completing a formula. The steps are simple:

  1. Presence: Remember that you’re in the presence of God in a special way when you pray. Ask God for help in your prayer.
  2. Gratitude: Recall two or three things that happened today for which you are especially grateful. Savor them. Then thank God for these gifts.
  3. Review: Review your day from start to finish, noticing where you experienced God’s presence. Notice everything from large to small — from an enjoyable interaction with a friend to the feel of the sun on your face. When did you love? When were you loved?
  4. Sorrow: You may have sinned today or done something you regret. Express your sorrow to God, and ask for forgiveness. If it’s a grave sin, pray about seeking forgiveness from the person offended, or the sacrament of Reconciliation.
  5. Grace: You may want to return to a meaningful part of your prayer and speak to God about how you felt. At the close of the prayer, ask for God’s grace for the following day. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

(From “The Daily Examen” by James Martin, S.J.)

Our Gospel for today reminds us that Advent is not so much about Christmas planning as it is about preparing for Christ’s arrival. The Daily Examen is one way to watch and prepare for how Jesus wants to come into our world today.