Reflecting on the First Sunday of Advent

Musings on the gospel of the First Sunday of Advent (Mark 13:33-37), based on the model of Hildegard of Bingen

         Jesus said to his disciples: a circle of men and woman, Jesus sitting with them; perhaps several concentric circles.

         Be watchful! Be alert! St. Benedict would say “Ausculta! Listen!” I often think of the German achtung! which very sound makes me sit taller.

         You do not know when the time will come. Should I fear as some in our culture preach or should I be joyful for the kingdom is near?

         It is like a man traveling abroad. Strangely, I never wished to do that.

        He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, Maybe because there are too many preparations.  Just leaving town for the weekend carries its burdens.

        and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Let someone else carry the responsibilities. Perhaps the traveler is someone else and I am the gatekeeper. Community calls forth many gifts.

       Watch, therefore; That word is back again. Are we slow at accepting the message; do I need to change some behaviors?

       you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, St. Benedict bids us to welcome the guest as Christ and provides a porter to welcome the guest.

      whether in the evening, or at midnight, We don’t always get to pick the time of interruptions or inconveniences.

       or at cockcrow, Sorry, but I hate that sound.

       or in the morning. May I welcome the day and praise God for the opportunities it will bring.

      May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.  Or find me reluctant to respond.

      what I say to you, I say to all: ’Watch!’’’ Thank God, we are in this together. .

             Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB

Meditation and Intentional Breathing

        I recently finished an excellent book, Christian Meditation, by James Finley. It was a theoretical yet practical guide to meditation that I really appreciated. I strongly recommend it to anyone seeking to renew or refresh one’s relationship with God. 

       Finley’s ideas call for an hour of meditation a day, which I haven’t been able to achieve yet. I doubt that I will until a ripe old age. He does, however, accept the fact that some of us won’t have the time or use the time each day in that way. What he does advocate is quieting ourselves for as long as possible to allow the presence of God to permeate us. 

       I’m not sure how other people experience meditation or that quieting behavior, but my mind does not stop thinking very easily. I really appreciated Finley’s advice to let the thoughts come and pass on, not holding on to any one of them. Keep breathing intentionally and the thoughts will diminish and an openness to God’s presence will be more apparent. 

       I find myself practicing that intentional  breathing at quiet moments, not necessarily in one long session but at the beginning, the end and numerous times during the day. It has helped me more than I thought it would, to be more aware of God’s presence everywhere in everything. I’ve always believed that (or said I did) but now I know it more clearly. 

       There are many other good ideas in Finley’s book, but this is one that I have carried with me. I hope you find it helpful. 

       Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB