A Day of Recollection

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The secular celebration of Christmas, often begins long before Advent commences.  Amid sales and shopping sprees, and even Christmas parties and concerts, it becomes increasingly crucial for us to rediscover the true essence of this sacred season.

In a world that often prioritizes the external trappings of the season, Advent challenges us to seek a different kind of preparation — one that transcends the material, and touches the depths of our spiritual longing.   It beckons us to slow down, to savour the beauty of waiting, and to cultivate a sense of quiet joy, that arises from the assurance of God’s promises fulfilled.

As an antidote to all the pre-Christmas frenzy, Ongoing Formation (OGF) held its annual Advent Day of Recollection, at the Rosmini House of Prayer, which was led, this year, by Fr. John Farrell OP, a former Dominican Prior Provincial, and Master of Students, and who is now based at Holy Cross, in Leicester.  The day which was attended by our Bishop, eleven priests, and three deacons, included a time of silent Exposition in the Chapel.  The theme, chosen by Fr. John, was a meditative reflection on the readings from the Lectionary.  

During Advent, three figures stand out: Isaiah, who gives a message of hope, reminding us that the Messiah will bring mercy, peace, and prosperity.  John the Baptist, who gives us the message to repentance and conversion; The Blessed Virgin Mary, who shows us her openness, joy, courage, in saying ‘YES’ to God.  The readings of Week 1: remind us to remain awake for what is coming at the end of time.  Week 2: suggests whatever sufferings we have endured, and the yearnings of our heart for wholeness, love and peace, will be satisfied by the one who is coming.  Week 3 (Gaudete Sunday):  the focus is on rejoicing.  Week 4:  tells us that God has heard our cries, our need for redemption, and He is entering into our world to heal our hearts.   From 17 December, the Church prays the O Antiphon during evening prayer (Vespers), and at the Gospel Acclamations during daily Mass.  These ancient prayers are based on different titles for the Messiah: Wisdom (O Sapientia), Ruler of the House of Israel (O Adonai), Root of Jesse (O Radix), Key of David (O Clavis), Rising Dawn (O Oriens), King of the Nations (O Rex Gentium), God with us (O Emmanuel).  

The Scriptures appointed for Advent, guide us through the prophecies of old, echoing the longing, and anticipation, for the promised Messiah.  As we immerse ourselves in the readings, we are reminded of the historical anticipation of Christ’s first coming, and our continual anticipation of His glorious return.  St. Pope John Paul II describes this season by saying, “Advent is, so to speak, an intense training, that directs us decisively toward Him, who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously”.  And as the traditional hymn - O little town of Bethlehem [by Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)] reminds us: yet in your dark streets shining, is everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight … So God imparts to human hearts, the blessings of His heaven: O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.