Each of the three readings this First Sunday of Advent invites us into the Season. In the first reading Isaiah says “we are the clay and You the potter”. Paul writes in his letter “God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son.” Mark’s gospel in particular touches my past and present in a special way:
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be watchful! Be alert! …
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning [on the E-train].
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
Isaiah 63.16b-17; 64.1, 3-8 / 1Corinthians 1.3-9 / Mark 13.33-37
Mark tells us to: “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.”
Today we celebrate the 1st Sunday of Advent, the beginning of our Advent Journey. A time of waiting and hope as we await the celebration of Jesus` birth. A time of preparation for the arrival of someone special who is not a stranger to us. A time to deepen our relationships with all creation.
One evening last week I noticed I missed a facetime call on my iPad. Disappointed I missed the call I quickly clicked the call button hoping someone would be there to answer. When the connection was made I could see Sammy, who calls me Gramma, playing on the floor with his brother Alex. When he saw me on the screen he shouted, “Gramma, why didn`t you answer when I called?” My only response was “Honey, I`m sorry, the volume was down.”
It began as a dream that inspired an extraordinary group of men and women “to go forth” to the peripheries of their known world to establish a missionary settlement that would not only teach the good news of the Gospel but would also receive in abundance from the persons that they served. Ville Marie, the “mustard seed” from which the city of Montreal grew, was planted in response to this Gospel invitation. Its detractors called it the “folle entreprise,” the “crazy business.” Wednesday, November 22nd brought together sisters, associates, parish social action representatives as Sr. Pat Simpson masterfully walked us through that first idea, the early days with its challenges and choices and fidelity to mission. Truly a jewel of a presentation! Thank you Pat!! Thank you Paul Chomedy de Maisonneuve, Jeanne Mance, Marguerite Bourgeoys and so many others for holding the dream!!