11.28.09
Advent Reflection - Week One
As we all know, Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. Preparation, but for what? When I think of preparation, I generally think of studying for a test, training for a race, or getting ready for a big Christmas dinner. We take certain steps so that when whatever it is that we are waiting for arrives, we will be ready for it. But how do you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ? How do you prepare for something when no matter what you do, you will never really be ready for it?
Advent marks the start of the Church year. It is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus, and understand the importance of this event to you and your faith as an Augustinian volunteer, this Advent is really special for you. You get to share it (just like you currently share almost everything else) with your community. I could sit hear and preach to you about what Advent means to me and what I think you should do to prepare, but who am I? By now, you have already figured out that every member of community comes with differing beliefs, ideas, and values. In community, we differ in our views towards things ranging from expressing our faith to what temperature the heat should be set on. These differences are both a blessing and a curse. They cause tensions and stress sometimes, but they are also the best opportunities we have to learn from each other and grow.
With the business of the Christmas season, it is very easy for people to look at Advent as nothing more than a countdown to Christmas. The thing that I don’t like about countdowns is that they keep you focused so much on the future that you might lose sight of the present. The great thing about your volunteer year is that you have the opportunity to truly live in the now, perhaps more than you ever will again. During Advent (and for the rest of your year) I challenge you to do just that. Take the time to figure out what this season means to your roommates and to you. There is a reason that Advent lasts 4 weeks. We need that much time, so use it. Reflect, pray, and above all appreciate each day and what it means as you look forward (but don’t count down) to the celebration of the birth of Christ and to the rest of your AV year.
Dan Roderick
San Diego ‘07-08
Dan is currently still living in San Diego and is working at Hogar Infantil la Glora, the orphanage in Tijuana where he spent part of his time serving during his AV year. He is the General Director and Development Director of the orphanage.