HAPPY NEW YEAR
 |
ADVENT WREATH. |
It is the start of the new liturgical
year - Year A and it is time to enter into more deeply the season of
Advent. Advent recalls the waiting for the Messiah of course, but it
is also about the second coming of Christ in all His glory at the end of time.
I especially like Advent because it
gives me a chance to review my life and make a plan, set goals and have a very
good stocktake of myself. I especially love Year A of Advent
because it gives me the opportunity to set a bigger picture plan over 3 years.
How many times when you go to an interview is the question asked ''Where do you
want to be in 5 years’ time? I like to ask myself that same question using
the 3-year cycle instead.
It is always good to acknowledge growth
because it can motivate us to know that good has occurred. Reviewing my life is
good because it helps me to refocus my attention to what matters. Setting
goals and making an effort to implement them keeps me on track to further
progress. Using these tools for my spiritual growth seems an obvious extension.
So, I ask myself
- What areas of my life do I want to be different this time next year,
2 /3 years’ time?
- what areas do I want to work on specifically in Advent?
- Do I need someone else to journey with me to encourage me on my
journey- a spiritual director, a Christian counsellor, a spiritual mentor
- if so, who might that be?
- what goals will I set and how will I implement them- in other words
I set the goals and then break the goals down into manageable bite size
pieces- putting a general time line on these goals is important b/c it
keeps me motivated. However there is always more with God and His
timeline may be different from mine. So I keep this point firmly in
mind- not as an excuse to fail but as a realistic factor in the journey of
faith.
Advent too is a penitential season. We
are reminded of it with the violet vestments that the priest wears.
Leading up to Christmas can be difficult with various parties to include some
fasting. However, with intention to include it as part of your advent
journey, it can be achieved.
Start small- maybe you fancy another
mince pie. They are a real weakness of mine!!
Going without a second, third or fourth
one is a starting point. Remember though your motive. Is your
motive God related or weight related? Do you have a tendency towards
greed or lack of temperance in food/drink? If so, then start small and make a
start to change this vice towards a grace/virtue.
This way you can enjoy celebrating with
your family/friends but you can also celebrate your own spiritual growth.
Many of us do a good spring clean
before Christmas before family and friends come. What about a spiritual
spring clean? What will do about your soul this advent?
I encourage you to not let Advent pass
you by spiritually. It is a very quick season liturgically speaking but
we are meant to be in an attitude of waiting- waiting expectantly.
I hope you wait expectantly and with
hope during this season of Advent.
Happy New Year.
