Resting in God

“The brother is not bored. He is alone with God” (103). This line is from Nicolas Diat’s “A Time to Die - Monks on the Threshold of Eternal Life.”

The Father comes to meet us in the silence. Being alone is not being bored or lonely. Solitude and loneliness are different. The former is being aware of the presence of God and allowing yourself to rest in Him, but the latter is ignoring it and trying to find peace outside of its source. As we enter this final week of Advent, let us be aware of God’s presence in our hearts, in others, and in the sacraments, and invite others to do the same. For only in Him will we find peace and rest.  God is there - in the stillness of your hearts.  God knows it is difficult to find peace and to find Him in the noise and busyness of the world, and so He comes to meet us in a “light silent sound” (1 Kg. 19:12b). When you feel empty and restless, and cannot seem to find any joy or peace that lasts, call out to God, for then you will be able to experience the true love, joy, and peace that your hearts craves.  He is always there.  He is always present. He is always ready and waiting for you.

“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

The Gospel reading of this Saturday of the Third Week of Advent is the account of The Visitation, where Mary, who is with Child, travels to be with Elizabeth. Our Lord here makes a trip with His Mother to see His aunt and cousin. It is Our Lord who goes to John.  It is Our Lord who comes to us. Our Lord, in the womb, goes to meet John, His herald and forerunner. And at the arrival of Mary, John recognizes the presence of God, the presence of Christ, and so leaps with joy. When we are able to recognize the presence of God so will our hearts leap with joy, the joy the endures and lasts.

As we enter into the Fourth Week of Advent, will you walk with Mary and Our Lord?  Will you with joy anticipate the arrival of Our Lord who comes to meet you?


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