A Message from Sister Carol Ann Petersen, November 26, 2022

Advent is a season of watching, waiting and preparing. It’s a time when church communities, families and individuals prepare both hearts and sacred spaces to welcome Christ and celebrate his coming.

Of course, we know that Christ was born and came into the world many years ago, but we must continually wait and watch or we’ll miss him in our midst today. The Jesus presented to us on social media, at political rallies or in the news is often not the Jesus of the Gospels. Jesus did not teach violence or hatred; he taught us to love. At our baptism, we promise to live that love by seeking and serving Christ in ALL persons, by striving for justice and peace, and by respecting the dignity of EVERY human being.

When we picture ourselves in the Gospel story of Jesus, I’m sure we hope that we would be the inn owner who would have a room, or the shepherd who would hasten.  If we watch and wait and pay attention to the signs of our times, we see so many examples of Christ among us, unrecognized but looking for a welcome: Christ who comes in the migrants and refugees, Christ who is wounded but present in those who are victims of violence or discrimination – Jews, Muslims, LGBTQIA+, young people  and old people, the handicapped and mentally or physically ill, the homeless and so many more who are on the margins of society. In each person, Christ is present and seeking a loving welcome and a home.

During Advent, there are carols to sing, candles to light, doors of Advent calendars to be opened, trees to be decorated, presents to buy, a festive table to be set, meals to be prepared, and on and on. Let us, above all, be alert and prepare our hearts to embrace Christ in anyone who might be left behind or missed. Let us watch, slow down to notice, and expand our hearts to welcome God among us. Let us have the courage of the Holy Spirit to address the sins of our times. Help us rise above our dread that nothing can be done, and grant us the conviction to advocate for a world that values each person. That, I think, is the true message and hope of Advent.

All of us at Sophia, and all of the Benedictine Sisters, wish you and yours a most blessed Christmas. You will be remembered in our Masses and prayers during this season and throughout the year.

We have published our calendar of upcoming events January-May. We hope you’ll be able to join us in person or on Zoom.