But Does It Do Any Good?
“Every year we celebrate the holy season of Advent, O God. Every year we pray those beautiful prayers of longing and waiting, and sing those lovely songs of hope and promise.” ~ Karl Rahner
Day in and day out, a person can practice a sport in order to become more proficient. But, if that person does not correct what is being done wrong, the constant practice will do no good. Day in and day out, a person can work on a project. But, if the person does not know how to do something properly, the project will be a flop. Day in and day out, we could pray and sing our hearts out. But if we are not focused on the Lord, our words and songs may be in vain.
Every year. That is what Rahner states. Every year we celebrate the holy season of Advent. We pray “those beautiful prayers” and sing lovely songs. However, we can still be the same people at the end of the season – as well as the same people as last year and the year before and the year before – if we do not allow the season of Advent to shape us and guide us.
This holy season of Advent has been given to us to prepare for the two comings of the Lord. We celebrate His coming to us as an infant in history and we remember that the Risen Lord will come to us again in all of His glory. The only way for us to be prepared for the two comings of the Lord is to allow ourselves to be immersed in His history and mystery.
We cannot pay the season of Advent lip service. We must become Advent, a season of grace and hopeful waiting.
FAITH ACTION: Let the prayers and songs of Advent speak to your heart as you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.