need to spend my last dollars on some overly priced gift to show my mother that I love her? Am I missing the point? Have I lost my senses and been sucked into what the mainstream society wants me to do? The answer is yes.
The gospel today tells us that we can easily become unintentionally trapped by our own doing. That is exactly what happens when the chief priests pose the question to Jesus, and Jesus comes back with a question that they are unable to answer. I wonder what would have happened had there question not been so accusatory. In some ways they missed an opportunity to better understand Jesus because they asked the wrong question. Obviously they had a motive and preconceived notions, but what if they had been able to put all of this aside and allowed the story to unfold? It seems as though at least some of them would have had a better understanding. I am reminded then that particularly at this time of year, the third week of advent, I should listen more and be more attentive to all that surrounds me. I don’t need to have preconceived notions about what will happen next because of what happened last Advent or Christmas. If I am truly present to right now, I may be surprised when things go differently. If I am not truly present then I may trap myself in old patterns and habits and not allow God to work around me and through me. It is fitting then that today is the feast of Saint Lucy, a martyr true to her convictions and her faith in God. Her resolve sadly led to her martyrdom, but her resolve ultimately allowed her to truly dedicate her life to God. While we continue our journey to the wonderful birth of Jesus, may we be filled with awe and allow ourselves to experience every moment with new eyes.
Prayer Loving God,
We ask that you continue to teach us and guide us and that we may be ever present to you during this Advent Season and throughout the year, mindful that every moment is gift. Amen.
Elizabeth Small Director of Campus Ministry, Rosemont College
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