Today marks December 1st and the beginning of the first week of Advent in the church's liturgical calendar. The first Advent Candle was lit today in church. Advent is a season filled with joyful anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "to come." It is a time when the Church calls us to watch and pray. Watching involves staying attuned to the signs of the times, while prayer helps us to discern their meaning and align ourselves with God’s will.
This season invites us to live with a heightened awareness, both of Christ’s eventual return and of His presence in our daily lives. The following story beautifully illustrates the importance of watching for the signs and understanding them as they unfold.
Consider a story about a group of nuns driving along a quiet road. A patrol officer noticed their car moving unusually slowly and pulled them over to check if everything was alright. Behind the wheel was the Mother Superior, with a car full of trembling sisters.
“Why are you driving so slowly?” the officer asked.
The Mother Superior, pointing to a road sign, replied, “The sign says 25”
The officer chuckled and explained, “That’s the route number, not the speed limit.”
Amused but puzzled, the officer then asked why the nuns behind her seemed so frightened. One of them sheepishly replied, “We just got off Route 115.”
It’s a humorous tale, but one with a deeper message. Numbers are real and tangible, but their meaning depends on how we read them. Misinterpretation can lead to absurd results—or even danger. This story reminds us of the importance of discernment in recognizing the true meaning behind what we encounter.
As we approach the season of Advent, this lesson feels especially relevant. Advent is a time of waiting and watching, filled with signs, both spiritual and personal.
The Church speaks clearly about the signs of the times and the culmination of history, urging us to remain vigilant and discerning.
How we read these signs, much like the Mother Superior and her route numbers, makes all the difference. In our waiting, we must cultivate patience, openness, and the wisdom to see beyond the surface. Whether it’s a slow driver in front of you, a kind word from a patient making an observation of her care or the slow unfolding of a spiritual season, the lessons are clear: take your time, look closely, and interpret everything with discernment.
God bless and happy season of Advent.
I remain your pal,
Ronnie
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