Advent — A time to explore why we long for God in our lives
Editor’s note: Advent begins Nov. 27. Enjoy a week-by-week Advent guide for those wishing to gather together, reflect, and pray available here.
Over and over again we have heard people long to return to normal, wanting the Covid-19 pandemic to exit their lives. Others talk about a “new normal.” No one is really sure how we will move forward.
Advent begins the new liturgical year. It is a season of hope that expresses longing in waiting, preparing our homes, shopping for gifts for others and reaching out in service to all who are in need. Advent gives us a time to step back and explore why we long for God in our lives. It is a time to reflect on the past year and a half and what we have learned and how we have become stronger.
You can’t have an intense relationship with God and not have a peaceful heart that wants to right the struggles of people and the world. Advent scripture calls us to examine our hearts and to change what stands in our way of communion with God. The season also calls us to look around us and do something about the needs of others on local, regional, and global levels.
Take time during these Advent days to seek some time alone with God to feed your holy longing for intimacy and communion. Take a walk, sit in a quiet place, enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and know that God is with us speaking to us in the depths of our being.
Join with your parish small groups to explore the scripture, prayers, and preparation time that is so important in this season. As we long for the coming of Christ, we prepare homes, gifts, and hearts to receive him.
Donna L. Ciangio is a Sister of St. Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey and the chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark. With an academic background in fine arts, religious studies, education, and ministry, she has been the director (U.S. and international) of Renew International and the director of pastoral services for the National Pastoral Life Center. She has worked extensively in Church leadership consultation. She speaks, writes, and publishes extensively.
