Advent Reflection from Sr Anna Yeo

Sunday 6th December 2020

I love lighting candles in the Church. For some reason, it fills my heart with warmth. As we watched the candle of peace being lighted on the Second Sunday of Advent, it can be hard to be at peace either with God or with all that is happening around us. Peace has never been an easy state to attain. It is more so this year isn’t it? Even without the pandemic, the pain of separation and suffering, uncertain and fearful moments as well as the experience of grief and loss are already part of our lives.

I have always found peace to be like a fog or mist. I could see it and even feel it but when I reach out to grab hold of it, it slips through my fingers. I end up grasping nothing. God did not make peace or His graces hard to be obtained. God does not tease or enjoy being mean to us. Look at the first words of today’s readings; COMFORT, COMFORT MY PEOPLE, SAYS YOUR GOD. The second reading reinforced God’s love for us by reminding us that God is not slow and does not forget His promises. He is being patient with us. I will be the first to hold my hands up and admit that I can certainly test people’s patience! Let’s face it. We are not perfect. However, God in His boundless love and unending patience always gives us time and opportunities repeatedly for us to prepare a way for Him. The way for Him to us. It is always about us and for us. God loves us that much.

Do not let the opportunity of Advent pass by us. How often we find ourselves no different on 26th December than we were on the 1st Sunday of Advent. This year, we are so eager to get back to normal when we are actually presented with a glorious opportunity to reflect and start anew, a new normal. Let this Advent not only help prepare us for the coming of Jesus but also the coming of a new us.

As you journey through Advent, know that you are never alone. You have an army of angels, saints and the whole Church praying with you and for you. I have lighted a candle for all of you who are reading this. May that knowledge gives you peace and hope. May God bless you.

You can download a PDF version of this reflection for those without internet here

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