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As we begin the final couple of weeks of the semester the Church celebrates the 2nd Week of Advent. People often say that Advent is a season of waiting. When I was a child we would make a construction paper countdown chain and tear off a piece of the chain every day until Christmas. Truth be told, my siblings and I were waiting for Christmas morning and gifts from Santa. Later, as a parent, Advent was a busy time to prepare for all the festivities of Christmas, decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, candy- making, sending cards, attending school programs and travelling to visit family. Here at St Ambrose these last few weeks are filled with projects, exams, celebrations, special traditions like the Giving Tree, Candlelight Mass, and Midnight Breakfast.
In the midst of the busyness of the semester and the season, the Scripture readings that are proclaimed are filled with beautiful images and promises of a Kingdom filled with hope, peace and love. We are waiting and hoping, not so much for Christmas morning and gifts, but for God’s Kingdom to come. Often, “waiting” might seem as if we’re doing nothing – sitting idly by while time passes, biding our days until the next thing comes about. But real waiting, the waiting of Advent, isn’t an idle waiting, it’s an active one. Throughout our 30 Days of Prayer and Service, many Ambrosians have been doing their part to “Prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths.” These acts of service give people hope and a glimpse of a world where people are fed, clothed, known, consoled, forgiven, and loved – waiting in action.
As we begin crunch-time, in the midst of a season of waiting and a semester that is ending, how might we embrace our call to wait - waiting in action, full of hope and joy and anticipation?
