3rd Advent
1 Thessalonians, 5, 1-8, 23, 24
About time spans and right moments, dear brothers,
I have no need to write to you. You know very well yourselves that the Breaking
of the Day of Christ comes like a thief in the night. When people say, ‘Now
peace reigns, and all stands secure, then suddenly catastrophe breaks upon
them, like the birth pangs of a woman with child, and there will be no escape
for them.
You, however, dear brothers, are not to remain in
darkness, so that the breaking of day will not surprise you like a thief. For
you are sons of light and sons of the day. Our being is not filled with night
and darkness. So let us not sleep like the others, but rather cultivate an
alert and sober state of mind. Those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who
are drunk are likewise of nightly nature. But since we belong to the brightness
of day, let us be sober, clothed with the breastplate of faith and love, our
head armed [protected] with the hope of healing….May God himself, however, the
source of all Peace, hallow and heal your whole being. May your complete and
undivided being,
Spirit
Soul, and
Body
remain pure and unclouded at the coming in the
spirit of Jesus Christ, our Lord. You may trust in him who calls you. He it is
who also lets you reach the goal.
 |
| Elisabeth Carolan |
3rd
Advent Sunday
1
Thessalonians 5.1-8, 23, 24
If
at the right time of year one were to awaken well before dawn, say at 4 a.m. , and go out into a wooded area,
one would experience one of nature’s wonders: a symphony of birdsong, call and
response, heralding the coming of the sun. Each bird is already awake; together
they are the choir hailing the breaking of a new day.
We
are now in the darkness of deep earth-night. But we are approaching a new dawn.
Though it is yet dark, Paul urges us to be awake as we prepare to accompany the
coming of the Day-Star. We are to be alert and sober in self-control. Through
the closeness of the light of His return, our being aware of the coming light will
fill us with an overflowing abundance of heart’s love. Loving kindness will
spill out of our hearts like birdsong before dawn. Our thoughts are to be
filled with the sure hope of healing that comes to mankind through the nearness
of Christ. We will become those of warm and active good will. As we work together
for Christ, in His light, earth itself will be healed.
Stones are longing for
what you know…
Now awake, dear
pilgrim…
Now awake with your
love for the Friend and Creation….
We are companions on
this earth
As the sun and planets
are in the sky….
This love you now have
of the Truth
Your joys and
sufferings on this arduous path
Are lifting your worn
veil like a rising stage curtain…
So that you can guide
this world…
In the hidden Choir
God and His friends
will forever
Conduct.[1]
