Awakening

 

With the first Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year. Many of us make “New Year’s Resolutions” around January 1^st, to revive our earthly life. Perhaps we could make similar resolutions to re-awaken our spiritual life.

St. Katharine noted that “The first Christmas was the beginning of the Human Life of Jesus. This Christmas is the beginning of a new life in us.” Jesus came as a baby, taking little steps at first. We can take comfort in the thought that we, too, can begin our new spiritual life with small steps. Caryll Houselander noted that “The Christ–life in us follows a natural growth.” A child advances from shaky small steps to confident adult strides. We can strengthen our Christ-life by small steps. If done for God, nothing is small in God’s eyes, St. Katharine reassures us.

St. Katharine urged the Sisters to “Arise from your Christmas thanksgiving to find your Jesus with you.” He is always with you, whether you are in your prayer corner or interacting with people throughout the day. When we receive Holy Communion, we hold Jesus as closely as when the Blessed Mother held her Infant Son on that first Christmas.

Where we see Jesus, we also see Mary, from Christmas to Good Friday, Easter and beyond. Toward the end of December, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We can remember our own families in prayer and with gratitude during this season. We are closer in spirit to those who no longer walk the earth when we receive Communion as we were when they were with us. May this Christmas season awaken a new spirit of appreciation for the members of our families.

Reminding us that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life, we also remember the first martyrs, St. Stephen and the Holy Innocents. May we celebrate life in all its manifestations.

May the New Year bring you many blessings and happy memories.

Stephanie Morris, Ph.D., A.S.B.S.

Formerly the Director of Archives for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, I often commented on Sr. Annette Marie O’Donnell’s blog. When she retired from writing her blog, I was asked to write a blog. St. Katharine said we are typewriters in the hands of God; it has been my privilege and pleasure to act as St. Katharine’s typist.