2nd Advent
Philippians 4:1, 4:4-9
Therefore my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and
my crown of glory, stand firm in the power of the Lord.
Rejoice in the nearness of the Lord at all times!
And I say it again: Rejoice!
Let a gentle kindliness be evident toward all human
beings you encounter. The Lord is near! Let not worry have power over you; let
your concerns in all things be known to God by sending your supplication and
prayer upward in thankful thoughts. And the peace of God, which transcends
anything that the intellect can grasp, will keep your hearts and thoughts safe
in the Being of Christ….
And lastly dear brothers I say to you:
all that is true,
all that is worthy of reverence,
all that is good and holy,
all that is lovely to look at and beautiful to hear,
all that has virtue and deserves praise:
let these be the content of your conversations and
thoughts. All that you have had handed on to you, what you have heard from me
and seen in me—put all this into practice; then the God of Peace will be with
you!
2nd Advent
Dec 6, 2009
Paul to the Philippians, 4:1 and 4:9
In winter fields, the farmer sows winter crops. It’s amazing
to think that anything can grow at all. But indeed, even if nothing is sown,
nonetheless the weeds will grow.
In today’s reading Paul is urging us to sow our winter crops
of soul: Joy in God’s nearness, for the Spirit Sun is always shining. Rumi said
somewhat pointedly:
Your depression is connected to your
insolence
and refusal to praise….
The sun goes out whenever the cloud
of not-praising comes near.[1]
Therefore we shall sow joy! Plant gratitude and harvest
peace. Plant truth and goodness and reverence. Plant beauty and virtue. For the
Prince of Peace, who is here and is coming, hopes to receive from us an
abundant and radiant winter soul harvest.
And so in the words of John O’Donohue,
As stillness in stone to silence is wed
May your heart be somewhere a God might dwell….
As the breath of light awakens colour
May the dawn anoint your eyes with
wonder.
As spring rain softens the earth
with surprise
May your winter places be kissed by
light.
As the ocean dreams to the joy of
dance
May the grace of change bring you
elegance.
As clay anchors a tree in light and wind
May your outer life grow from peace
within
As twilight fills night with bright horizons
May Beauty await you at home
beyond.[2]
