November 26, 2014
Giving thanks and preparing the Way:
A Thanksgiving and Advent message from the Paulist President
“I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus …”
1 Corinthians 1:4
What a great Scripture quote from St. Paul as we begin the Advent season! As often happens in the United States, Advent begins at the close of Thanksgiving weekend. It is a terrific opportunity to extend the spirit of gratitude into the season of watchful waiting and spiritual preparation for the Feast of Christmas.
Yet, as we are all keenly aware, Thanksgiving is also the door-buster to the holiday shopping season, unleashing a swirl of frenetic activity at retail outlets coast to coast, captured in horrific detail by the media. It is eerily apocalyptic to watch the news and see people lined up for hours and then storming through the doors of the local Target or Wal-Mart. In some ways it brings another passage from the First Week of Advent to life: “Be watchful! Be alert!” Clearly we understand a key concept of Advent – preparation – but play it out in ways that compromise our spiritual well being.
I call us back to the gratitude of St. Paul so we, too, may find ways in Advent to be people of hope who take the time to affirm those Christ-like people in our lives, and who look to the future with joyful anticipation. Sure, there will be things to do and parties to attend, but when we see each day as an opportunity to prepare the way of the Lord, the true miracle of Christmas will present itself in a marvelous way.
On behalf of the Paulist Fathers, thank you for your witness of faith and the many ways you have supported the ministry and mission of our community. You are a great gift to us, given by God!
Very Rev. Eric Andrews, CSP
President of the Paulist Fathers