Saturday of the Second Week in Advent

The Advent season can be an exciting journey. It can have its highs and lows. It is about repentance and expectation. At times this season can seem a little bleak with the somber notes of O Come O Come Emmanuel playing a continual loop in our minds. What I think is happening in this second week of Advent is that God is reminding us of the urgent hopefulness that is a critical part of the season. The fiery image of Elijah in the first reading illustrates the power and glory of God, reminding us of what is at stake which can be anxiety producing. And yet the reading ends with equally beautiful imagery by telling us that if we fall asleep in our friendship with God we will be blessed. On the surface the word choice of falling asleep may seem like a passive act, but what I think it really is communicating the opposite.  We need a deep and rich relationship with God, so strong that we know each other in and out. This, like all good relationships, requires work. It means we must engage in the process of getting to know God. Advent is a time of preparing, we do this through working on knowing and loving God.