Franciscan Convent in Oldenburg

Advent is a good time to ponder how we have been touched by the Divine throughout our lives. At times we may feel exhausted or deeply disappointed because there have been harsh criticisms or far too many demands on our lives. We may even feel overwhelmed with life’s challenges and wonder: “Why am I doing this?” What amazes me is that although at times we may try to turn away from the Divine, God continues to look steadily upon us and always shows us love and forgiveness in ways that may surprise us or that we might not recognize.

During the first week of Advent, I traveled to Indiana to lead an Advent retreat with the Sisters and Associates of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana. We took a look at the Advent stories and how they were intertwined with our own personal stories. It was an amazing time together. Although society and our culture may have turned Christmas into a commercialized and high-pressured season, we were able to find the true meaning of Advent and Christmas as we worked together. Among those “divine strangers,” I found peace and restoration for my soul.

As we explored the story of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, we realized that it was a journey and meeting of their hearts and souls. We decided that it should also be the same for us whenever we meet one another – that it’s important to enter every human encounter with care, with intention, with thoughtfulness. The greetings we exchange, the words we share have power – the power to comfort and heal, and the power to cause pain. There should be no room for recklessness in our interactions with others. If we approach one another with half-heartedness or a sense of mediocrity, it will not raise our spirits or lift us up to peace or joy. In Mary’s journey to Elizabeth, we sense there was power that charged their encounter with recognition of the goodness within each other. That same holy energy or power can be carried within each of us. The visit of these two women gives us a good example of a healing and holy human encounter.

When we move with sincere care and compassion toward one another, our meetings will be much like Mary’s visitation with Elizabeth. If we truly connect with someone, we enter the soul or the “sacred sanctuary” of that person. In moments of genuine intimacy, our truest and deepest self enters into the truest and deepest self of another. These soul-to-soul encounters may be the most profound of all levels of our human interactions.

Perhaps during this Advent Season, let us think about being a dwelling place of the Divine, a safe places for others to come. That we are like little chapels that are walking around and providing a traveling home for those in need as well as for our God who is always with us on our journey waiting for the next visitation.

O come, O come Emmanuel and ransom us. Yes, God, we do need and welcome you in our lives. Thank you for loving us enough to send your son to dwell among us. Help us to learn to be an example of being a loving visitation, a healing encounter with others. May this time of Advent be filled with soul-to-soul encounters. Amen.

 Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com