Sunday, November 30th

Scripture

Is. 2: 1-5
Ps 122: 1-9
Rom 13: 11-14
Mt 24: 37-44

Reflection

“Come, let us climb the Lord’s Mountain…”
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into
pruning hooks.”
“…walk in the light of the Lord” Is 2: 3- 5

I find hiking a relaxing activity, walking an ambling path, admiring flora and fauna alike. I love to take in the fresh air and enjoy immersing myself in God’s creation…until I face a mountain or even a large hill. My sense of ambling stops. I am on full alert, surveying the scene, taking a deep breath, and calculating my endurance. I had to get myself ready to conquer the mountain. I needed to overcome and dominate! I continued walking, fearful and anxious, and my pleasant relaxing hike became a burden.

A few years ago I learned not to conquer, but to befriend the mountain; not to dominate it but to become one with it; not to overcome but to enter in. It was a more peaceful way to continue, and climbing the mountain became less difficult. I was able to enjoy the view!

This season of Advent, let us befriend the mountains we are asked to climb, the barriers, hardships, and challenges of our lives. Wisdom awaits us, inviting us to be people of peace, walking in the light of God.

Prayer

God of Wisdom and Peace, as I climb the mountain of the Lord,
help me to befriend the challenges and hardships that face me
and our world. Help me to live in gentleness, peace, and joy,
trusting your presence so that your love and light
may be born anew. Amen

Personal Challenge

As you journey through Advent, what are you being asked
to befriend in yourself, others, our world?

Sister Kathy Brazda,
Westchester, IL