A Time of Awakening
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.'” – Mk 13:33
“If you blink, you will miss it.” I was recently reminded of this saying. Although I understand at one level the nice sentiment and encouragement it’s trying to convey, at another level it triggers my tendency to feed anxiety. And these days, when so much of our world is experiencing violence, suffering, and displacement, where the challenges of economic struggles and mental health concerns continue to be exacerbated, there are enough opportunities to lean into despair. I can find myself more self-reliant, or feeling like I have to do everything “right”, or noticing the playlist of shame that starts once I find myself “blinking”.
I’ve also been learning this year that part of my “being watchful” consists of taking little moments to pause, take deep breaths, and invite Jesus to be with me and to let me be with him when I notice myself getting anxious or fearful.
I’ve also taken comfort in what St. Therese of Lisieux once said: “Little things are little things but faithfulness in little things is a big thing.” She helps remind me that I’m called to faithfulness in the ordinary activities of my life, perhaps with renewed interest and commitment this Advent. For God always takes the initiative with us over and over again. I can just take a moment to pause and intentionally create space for Jesus to be with me and allow myself to be with him.
May this Advent be a time of awakening us to God’s presence in the ordinary and everyday aspects of our life, God’s daily arrival. Yes, as we hear in today's gospel, we may “not know when the time will come”, but that doesn’t need to cause crippling anxiety. May we be encouraged to find moments of pause in our days to breathe and listen to God’s gentle voice already within us and among us.
Lord, help me to pause when I feel anxious and to open greater space in my heart to welcome Your gentle presence daily.
David Romero, SJ