Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”

The entrance of the Son of God into human life tells us how much God must value it, how rich in potential this life is. Advent hope cannot mean simply living in and for the future but allowing our hope and trust in the Lord to energize the present. Tragedies recall us to the same thought. A mother or father, a friend, a fellow worker dies of illness or accident. When that happens, we are often tearfully aware of how fragile this life is, how limited the time to love, to appreciate all that is. We resolve never again to take for granted our friends and family, the joy, energy, beauty around us.

In a week or two, however, we're back in the same old rut: failing to help a friend with a problem because we're too absorbed in a sitcom; forgetful of mother's illness because we're preparing to ski in Colorado; once again using the name of the one in whom we trust like a four letter word. Once again, too tired from the search for fun to be awake and alert on the job.

“Reform your lives” we hear during Advent. Doesn't that mean not wasting time in envy and resentment, not using valuable energy in keeping old grudges alive? Positively, doesn't it mean giving those around us respect, appreciation, even gratitude? Doesn't it mean congratulating friends on work well done, consoling them in failure and loss? “Reform your lives.” Yes, reform our lives here and now.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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