You Are Here
I always appreciate a very helpful graphic whenever I visit a large public space, such as a mall or park or museum. On a display map of the entire area, a red arrow clearly designates my present location: "You are here." This graphic helps to orient me to other spots I may want to visit, and points me in the right direction.
The Season of Advent, which begins each liturgical/church year, is like this helpful notation. Spiritually, we Advent-urers are beginning this journey of faith, exploring new possibilities for our life in Christ. And it's not because we have never walked this path before. Of course, most of us are already familiar with some of Advent's markers, signs, themes, and attractions.
So what is new about this 2024 Season of Advent? What is new for each of us is that, since we are not exactly in the "same place" we were one year ago, it is exciting to embrace new possibilities, challenges, and opportunities. With the help of John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary, Jesus and Mother Church, we continue life's journey with adventure and hope. And these devout docents really know their way around this place! So let's follow along on a tour.
During Advent, you are here with John the Baptist. Instead of Christmas shopping in a mall, you are in the desert (of all places!) with John, making ready the way of the Lord. Out here, your "shopping list" primarily asks the question, What needs to change in my attitude and behavior towards God and with others? Is your shopping list short, or long and getting longer than last year?
If you find that John is a rather demanding coach, then be inspired by prophets Isaiah, Baruch, Zephaniah, and Micah. These are your cheer-leading guides in later Advent. With them you will take off your robe of mourning and misery, be glad with all your heart, and from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.
During Advent, you are here with Joseph, betrothed to young virgin Mary. Some traditions would have us believe that Joseph was an older man, perhaps a widower with children. But a stronger "hunch" is that he was only a little older than Mary, but already a just man.
So during this Advent, let carpenter Joseph design and build in your soul a worthy home for Messiah. And this carpenter was so holy and humble, he allowed God (in a dream) to revise his blueprint plans for marriage.
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. Joseph, a carpenter and dreamer, has become fearless, by his obedience to the mysterious plan of God. So what do you or I have to fear?
During Advent, you are here with Mary. Angel Gabriel startled her with Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. With the Church, we believe that Mary, herself having been immaculately conceived without sin, fully deserved this glorious greeting. And now Mary does what each of us should do in a similar, challenging situation:
a) She seeks the advice of an older and wiser person (her relative Elizabeth), and
b) She offers her assistance, as each woman experiences a momentous pregnancy
With Mary, we too experience great joy and eager anticipation:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
During Advent, you are here with Jesus. Like each of us, the Word made Flesh experienced nine months in Mary's womb, waiting to be born. And for more than nine hundred years (since prophet Isaiah's a virgin shall conceive and bear a son), God's People waited for Messiah. So what are we still waiting for today? Stability in marriage and family life? More secure employment and finances? An end to political polarization? Jesus has moved beyond his birth and infancy, becoming our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus is God's loving response to every human problem and predicament.
As Advent leads into Christmas, a vital question emerges: If Jesus is with us, are we with Jesus? Shepherds and Wise Men show us important expressions of faith and worship. But Jesus no longer resides in a stable; Jesus is now fully alive in his Church.
So by the conclusion of this 2024 Advent-Christmas season, we will have become more intimately connected to Jesus and his Church, accompanied by John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary and all God's prophets, angels and saints.
The temporary marker of "You are here" will lead to the heavenly crown, "You are here forever."
Today's Faith Friday was written by guest writer, Jim Rupp. Jim lives in Charleston, IL and has worked for and continues to volunteer within the Diocese of Springfield. He's also uncle and Godfather to Faith Friday writer Alison Tarr, and brother to Faith Friday writer Mary Carpenter.