Be Ready to See God
Advent is the time the Church gives us to prepare for the coming of Jesus. It represents in miniature the time of our lives on earth: when Jesus is hidden but coming. The time when our task is to watch and wait, to build up our communities, families and our own hearts to welcome him when he bursts in with all the expected surprise of a newborn baby.
1 Peter 5:8a “Be sober and vigilant” NABRE “Discipline yourselves, keep alert” NRSVCE
We must watch our inner thoughts and feelings and discern where each is leading us to…whether toward love of God and neighbor or toward selfishness and unhappiness. The remedy for afflicting thoughts, or “logismoi,” was to share them with a spiritual advisor and to counter them with a scriptural phrase. One early monk compiled a whole book of Biblical quotes tailored to specific situations or thoughts that were common in the 4th century – one even specifically to combat the anger that arises when one’s cows won’t walk in a straight line! Advent can be a good time to comb the scriptures to find the verses that speak to our own thoughts.
The Ancient 8 Logismoi (precursors to the 7 Deadly Sins)
Anger/annoyance – “let your love be intense, for love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Pet 4:8
Urge to Snack – “The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Jn 6: 33
Lust – “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.” Ps 51:12
Greed/Trust in Wealth – “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Mt 6:21
Sadness – “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” Mt 11:28
Acedia/Restlessness – “Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness.” Eph 4:1-2
Vainglory/Seeking worth in reputation – “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Jn 6:68
Pride/Belief God is not necessary – “Beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Mt 14:30
The other half of watchfulness is to be ready to see God! We are able to see God when we keep watch over ourselves, since this inner discernment cannot take place without the light provided from God himself. Whether it shines on things that we feel are “good” or “bad”, the light is still the presence of God…inside of us!!! We truly can rejoice that he is with us in this intimate and special way, showing us how to grow closer to him.
Advent is also a wonderful time to keep our eyes wide for God as he continually lives and acts in the other people and circumstances of our lives. As the famous Gerald Manley Hopkins poem, “God’s Grandeur” puts it:
The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
This Sunday, as John the Baptist loudly calls “Repent! Prepare the way of the Lord! Produce good fruit!” we can join him in the desert to wait for Jesus, and while we are waiting, to remain watchful. Watchful with care over ourselves, and watchful with gratitude for every evidence of God at work in and around us.