Come, Lord Jesus

"What do you WANT?"  These were the opening words of Jean Vanier's (Founder of L'Arche International) address to a gathering of youth, young adults and members of several L'Arche communites in Prince George, BC in 2004.  I remember being deeply impacted by this, not only because it is a surprising way to greet a crowd of people full of excitement and anticiatpion but because even before these words were said - you could feel an intense holy presense emanate from the man as he entered the gymnasium.  And when you feel a presence like that, something in you perks up and LISTENS.

Now we are in the season of Advent, a season of waiting.  Waiting for what?  Waiting for what we want. And I'm not talking about the latest iPad or new VW.  What is it in the depths our hearts, the common vision we all share, no matter where on earth we dwell or our beliefs/disbeliefs?  We wait for Christ, a deeper revelation of His Incarnation in our lives: yesterday, today and in the future.  We wait for the fulfillment of His Kingdom, for justice to be meted out, for peace, harmony and a deep sense of freedom.  We wait for belonging, and a sense of being loved and of being free to deeply love others, even strangers. Some of us may go through life with never having the words for these desires. Some may not know this possibility exists or may not choose to travel within themselves to discover the existence of these desires.  There is a myriad of beautiful ways to do this but I won't explore them in this post.  I do want to say that the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, in their formation program have provided me and many other young women an immersion in an environment where we can really be in touch with our hearts and find in ourselves the treasure within our souls - Jesus Christ.  And with this knowledge, it is only natural for any person who encounters Christ and His goodness to want to pass it on :) Goodness is diffussive of itself ;)  Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Ron Rolheiser speaks of the "Theology of Longing and Desire" in an article I read recently, and I just want to share some of the images that touched me (some are scriptural).  And may I suggest that you  read these slowly and allow them to speak to you: "luxuriate in embrace", "all-embracing union", "consummation", "the lamb lying with the lion", "the valleys being filled in", "the mountains made low".  I love when he says "In our longing we INTUIT the Kingdom and EXPERIENCE Advent"

So Jean Vanier's question to us back in 2004 was and still is completely relevant today.  I remember that he reminded us that God speaks to us in our desires, our deep desires.  Advent is not just a season of waiting, but of hope.  What do you desire?  What are you hopeful for?  He wants you to discover, talk to Him about it and lead you closer to Him in the process.

Blessings during this Advent season and may He find us ready to recieve Him, and may we look forward to that "all-embracing" union with our Loving God.