Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

First Sunday of Advent (December 1, 2002)

Suggested Emphasis

"Be on guard; be on the watch for the Lord when he comes."

Salesian Perspective

Advent is not only about being watchful for the Lord's coming at the end of the world. It is also about being watchful for the Will of a God who is with us now, here on this earth, in each and every present moment.

St. Francis de Sales wrote: "God is in everything and everywhere; there is no place or thing in this world in which God is not truly present. This truth is intellectually known to everyone, but not everyone is attentive to or conscious of it." (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 2)

This Emmanuel, this God-who-is-with-us, is not only everywhere on this earth. God is especially present to us - whether we are aware of it or not - inside each and every one of us. "God is not only in the place where you are," wrote St. Francis de Sales, "but God is very specially present in your heart and in the very core of your spirit…Considering this truth you should awaken in your heart a deep reverence for God who is so intimately present there." (Ibid)

Advent is about awakening: awakening to the truth of the constant and intimate presence of God in us and around us. Wake up to the opportunities each day, each hour, each moment to be sources of life, love, reconciliation and hope in the lives of others. Being watchful requires living in the present moment, letting go of regrets about the past and surrendering any inordinate fear about the future. When we spend as much time as possible each day being awake and aware of the loving presence of God we smooth many of the rough ways in our own lives and in the lives of others.

"Do not forestall the events of this life by worrying about them beforehand but forestall them by perfect hope that as and when they occur, God, to who you belong, will preserve you. He has watched over you till now; all who need to do is keep a tight grip on the hand of Providence and God will help you in all that happens and where you cannot walk our loving God will carry you in his arms." (Stopp, Selected Letters, page 106).

Advent calls us to be watchful for the God who dwells in each and every moment. Advent calls us to live in hope that God will give us the courage to walk through times of difficulty and seize opportunities to be heralds of truth, justice, reconciliation and peace.

In the meantime, stay awake and be on guard: be on the watch for opportunities that our loving God gives us each day to be heralds of God's power and promise in the lives of others.

Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is Executive Director of the
De Sales Spirituality Center