Second Sunday of Advent

Being late for church was unacceptable in our household when I was growing up. In fact – we left for church earlier than I felt was necessary to not only be ‘not late,’ but we could almost be considered ‘early.’

I did not have that problem this week.

My morning got away from me, and the next thing I knew – I was walking into church at 8:30am on the dot. Funny thing about running late is that you realize as you’re walking into church late with other people that you’re not alone. Lesson learned in humility for the week to not judge latecomers – done, and goal set to get moving a little quicker next week.

This week’s gospel was from the book of Mark (1: 1-8), and it talked about John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. As Father started his homily, he walked out into the congregation and asked two young children sitting with their grandmother if they knew what a luminary was. He let them ask their grandmother for help, and the answer of “something that lights up” was given. Father said that was correct and noted it could also be SOMEONE that lights up.

He proceed to ask the children if their grandmother was a luminary, and I proceed to get emotional when they stated she was because she was awesome and taught them to bake cookies. My mind immediately shifted to going to church with both of my grandmothers and making cookies with Nanny.

Father then began to talk about how luminaries work. He pointed out the Advent wreath, noting that we could now see two candles burning this week. He said that if the church hall (which is where mass is being held until the carpet renovation is complete in the church) was dark that the light would seem even brighter and allow us to see.

God uses luminaries in the same way. He sends us luminaries during dark times to help us see. He sent us Jesus. He sent John the Baptist to help us see Jesus. He still sends us signs everyday to help guide us on our way. Father also pointed out an interesting fact about luminaries – they can’t always see their own light. When you do a good deed for someone or help out someone else, you have no way of knowing how much light that gave them. We don’t always know how much our actions can effect and help others, but maybe we don’t need to. As long as we let God use us as He intended, we can trust our light is always shining where it needs to.

Mother Theresa once said, “Let God use you without consulting you.” During these dark days of illness and separation, we could all try a little harder to let God use our light in whatever ways He sees fit.

I’m sure glad he used two ladies in my life. I don’t know if they realized how much light they gave me, but I sure felt a little closer to them in church this week.

Have a great week – and see you back here next Sunday.