December 16, 2014
Normally I would avoid beginning my reflections with a definition or etymology, but today it is important to consider that the word “Advent” comes from the Latin advenio (the noun is “Adventus”), meaning, “to come to.” Recently I have been playing with those two words and the ways in which we use them today.
When someone is giving a presentation, we might express concern that a certain important topic may not be getting attention or want to make a correction. The presenter might then reply, “We’ll come to that.” That’s one sense of the term.
During a hockey game, a speedy right-winger could get powerfully checked into the boards by a defenseman, knocking him out momentarily. In this case, the trainer will ask him how many fingers he’s holding up, just as soon as he’s “come to.”
In yet another sense, if I have a series discussions with a fellow about why he should consider joining the Paulists, he might “come to” see why that would be an exciting prospect; then he might “come to” contact Father Larry Rice and perhaps “come to” one of our vocation retreat weekends.
A student recently asked me about the ways one could truly enter into the Advent season. I think a good component to include is a reflection on the ways that Advent draws each of these senses of “coming to” out of us.
We can arrive into a state of wakefulness or consciousness. Simply being aware of where we are in the Advent season is a crucial first step. I have to admit that in years past I have caught myself thinking, “Wait, are we in week two right now? Is this the hopeful part?” Were I more conscious and “awake” when it came to the Advent season, I presumably wouldn’t have to ask myself that. This may seem like a small step, but in a busy life, it is significant.
Advent calls us to look at ourselves: to come to a renewed self-awareness. Fans of the musical Godspell will hear a particular melody in their head when I mention the refrain “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” Being prepared has a kind of work attached to it that is similar to ensuring the cleanliness of our house before guests arrive. The Gospels offer a good idea of Jesus’ expectations. So, is my house in order? Are there feuds I’m in or grudges I’m holding that need to be addressed? Are there patterns of sin I can’t seem to shake? Advent is a great time to look at our degree of preparedness. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one very helpful way to clean house and experience the Lord’s mercy come to us. A personal mini-retreat day or two before going home to celebrate Christmas with family could also be a great time to enjoy some quiet and look at our lives in the Lord.
Advent, like any liturgical season (including ordinary time!), also asks us to “come to” a place. Apart from the gifts that they brought, one of the significant things I remember about the Three Magi of We Three Kings fame is the fact that they were a small community of believers who arrived in Bethlehem to fall at their knees in worship of the Lord. We, too, celebrate Advent communally in the context of the liturgy of the Church (Mass, penance services) and in our homes (lighting Advent candles, setting up wreaths). Liturgy calls all of the other senses of “coming to” out of us: We encounter truth in the Word of God. The rituals, music and singing raise our consciousness that something holy is happening. We become aware that Jesus has come to encounter each of us personally. We hopefully then “come to” a renewed resolution to become even closer disciples of the Lord.