Born to Die

Well I'm really out of rhythm lately with the blog. There have been several family matters that have taken precedence the past few weeks, and I have taken on a super major project at my parish. More on that in the weeks to come, but I thought I better punch something in here, so here goes.

We are in the second week of Advent now, and one of the most notable symbols of Advent is the Advent Wreath. Below are just a few of the symbols or meanings of different parts of the Advent Wreath:

The 4 candles = 4 Sundays in Advent

Purple = preparation

ROSE (not pink) is used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent; Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday; We rejoice because the gift of Jesus at Christmas is almost here and we are half-way in our Advent preparation.

Evergreen leaves = eternal life

Prickly leaves = the crown of thorns

Circle = no beginning and no end, the eternity of God and the everlasting life we receive through Jesus

Light = the light of Jesus; We are called to reflect the light of Jesus to the world

It is the prickly leaves that catch my attention the most during this second week of Advent. Why during such a time of joyful hope and expectation would we consider the crown of thorns?

Even while we are getting ready for the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that he came to suffer and die for us. We are reminded that it is not always easy to do God’s Will.

It is precisely during the times of doubt (as Joseph must have faced) and the sincerity of our faith is put to the question (as was Mary's) and when the whole world stands against us (as against Jesus) that God is preparing to do His best stuff!

I'm not always the best at embracing hardships, difficulties, and struggles. So I know that is one thing that I am being called to reflect upon and pray about this Advent.

Advent: Another chance to jump into God's time machine

I have always been fascinated with the thought of time travel. I watch as many nerdy television shows as possible which address the topic through any genre.

So for me, it's only natural to be especially interested in God's existence outside of time and His choosing act within the confines of time and even more so, His joining of the two.

Time - and Time Again

A former pastor of mine once preached about chronos and kairos time. Very simply, chronos time may be explained by the answer to the question "What time is it?" while kairos time is better explained by the statement "I had a great time". While chronos refers to sequential time, kairos refers to a moment.

In the Eastern Church, before the Liturgy begins, the deacon exclaims "Kairos tou poiesai to Kyrio"; which means "It is time for the Lord to act", recognizing the joining of our earthly and heavenly worship.

Lost in Translation

In the Western Church, when we hear the words "Do this in memory of me" in the English translation, we can lose the real meaning of the word "anamnesis" which is the Greek word from which we draw upon. Anamnesis more specifically means "made present". We don't just "remember" the Paschal mysteries. By the working of the Holy Spirit, we enter into them; on God's awesome time machine if you will.

Back to the Future

Advent is now upon us, and here is a little something I found in the catechism:

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. (Catechism 524)

I just love the chance to time travel. Don't you?