Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

First Sunday of Advent (November 27, 2005)

Readings Is 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64: 2b-7 Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19 1 Cor 1: 3-9 Mk 13: 33-37

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 and resentments about the past and surrendering any inordinate fears or uncertainties about the future. When we spend as much time as possible each day, each hour and each moment being awake and aware of the loving presence of God we make smooth many of the rough ways in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Francis de Sales wrote: "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 whom you belong, will preserve you. He has watched over you till now; all you 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 God will surely carry you in his loving arms." (Stopp, Selected Letters, page 106). God will strengthen us - even carry us - through each present moment.

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 embrace times of difficulty and seize opportunities to be heralds of truth, justice, reconciliation and peace.

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