Advent Reflections
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2022
By Fr. Benet Phillips, O.S.B., Alumni Relations
Our Advent journey is just beginning and we already may be feeling a bit weary. We want the journey to be completed, we want the lights, the warmth and the wonder of Christmas but what we have is the dark and cold. In the midst of this unsettledness we hear Jesus say to us today, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” Are there any more consoling and beautiful words? God in Christ has come among us and God knows the many things that can burden us and weigh us down, but our God is also telling us, that no matter what, we do not have to walk alone for God is with us every step of the way. Our God is not only willing to walk with us but willing to carry our burden, our trouble, our anxiety, our grief. The good news is that God is with us! One spiritual writer has written, “Coming to Jesus is the condition for finding relief. All we have to do is place ourselves in the sphere of his presence and we will find rest.”
Today we also celebrate the feast of Saint Ambrose. Ambrose was a theologian and statesman and served as bishop of Milan from 374-397. Let us pray today for all leaders in the Church that they may true servant leaders following the example of the Christ the Good Shepherd who came to serve, not to be served and who gave his life as a ransom for the many.
Come Lord Jesus!