Weekly Reflection - 12/13/2023

St. Mary's Reflection: The Rev. Kathy Guin, Assisting Priest

What is your favorite time of day? I love the early morning hours, when the quiet, stillness brings a calmness to my spirit. During this Advent, I have been focusing more on the first moments of the day as I begin to wake up. Trying to wake slowly, seeking to be open to drawing closer to the Divine. I begin my wakefulness of the day by focusing on the gift of a new day. I give thanks for the ongoing presence of God through all parts of my life. These early hours of the day were described as a “thin place” by a friend, where she often finds surprising new insights.

Advent is a season to waking up to all the ways Christ comes to us. We focus on learning how to practice waiting for the light for being more attuned to the ways in which Christ comes to us now. Seeking to draw nearer to the God of infinite love as we pray “Come, Lord Jesus.”

This Advent prayer speaks of mystical hope. As we hold this prayer in our hearts, we open ourselves to new possibilities beyond what we can see. Our perspective changes, the landscape of our lives opens wider. Our hearts become centered on who God is, there we’re more open to grace and what’s possible that speaks of God’s active presence.

As you focus on your Advent journey, what practices help you become more attentive to the Mystery, ways of waiting in the light and love of Christ?

The Rev. Kathy Guin,

Assisting Priest