By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

The Scriptures for Advent always call us back to reflect on our preparing for a deeper awareness of Christ  in our hearts, of a greater transformation; a becoming  Christ for others.

In the second reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Paul says to the Philippians, “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception.”  (Phil1:9)

So how do we increase our love for one another? Paul tells us the first way is to study! He says, “our love is to increase in knowledge and perception.” We are to pray the scriptures, to listen, to let the word fall deep into our hearts, let it go down into the inner most part of our being.

We need to go beyond our ordinary level of awareness into our spiritual level of awareness. In so doing we become aware of what excessive need we are holding on to: an excessive need for power and control, esteem and affection, security and survival.  Recognizing what is blocking our letting go, we can move on to being in God’s presence and action.  From being in God’s presence it is a short distance to being and doing for others!

How? Try these steps:
1)      Set aside a part of the day for praying Scripture, allowing time to “Rest in  God’s presence.”
2)      Throughout the day, be mindful of God’s presence.
3)      You will find yourself letting go of the desire for control and power, esteem and affection, and security and survival. You will find yourself free to become Christ for others. You will find yourself serving, comforting, and simply being for others.

What a wonderful way to journey through Advent!