Sunday, December 1, 2024

In this first Sunday of Advent, our readings continue the theme of being ready for the end times.  Next week they will turn to preparing us to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  I was struck this year by the following phrase from our Gospel: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.
 
Those of us who are trying to live a life according to Gospel values have probably done well at controlling carousing and drunkenness.  We have learned how to use our faith life and our religious observance in community to help us grow in our ability to obey the commandments and be kind to those in need.
 
But, what about “the anxieties of daily life”?  As we have gotten older, have we gotten better at trusting that God is in control and all will be OK?  Yes, there are the major crises that happen: two weeks ago, I shared about being diagnosed with tuberculosis as a teenager and being smashed between two cars, wondering if I would ever walk again.
 
I am thinking more about the pressures and anxieties of everyday life: running from one task to another, putting up with annoying people, coping with unexpected interruptions and delays, etc., etc.  How do I cope with these “anxieties of daily life”?  Am I able to stay calm?  Am I able to say a short prayer, asking the Lord to help me?  Can I keep my focus on what is really important, despite the distractions?  Perhaps how we grow in our ability to handle small inconveniences and anxieties prepares up to cope with the big ones, when they come along. How am I doing at coping with the stress and anxiety of daily life?  God is there to help: am I letting Him?
 
Church sign: If God is your copilot, change seats!