Reflection for Dec. 22, 2024

Advent journey helps us recognize the miracle of God in our daily lives

by Sister Elise Cholewinski

It was a time of oppression. Roman soldiers were stationed in all parts of the country, guarding against any kind of insurrection. Wherever anyone went, the presence of the empire was felt. At the temple in Jerusalem money changers were busy providing people with the proper Jewish coinage with which to purchase animals for sacrifice. Inside the temple area scholars were studying every detail of the Law, while the priests at the altar outside were concerned with observing every detail of the liturgical rites. Throughout the country the poor, the sick, the downtrodden were clearly visible. It was a well-known  fact that Herod and Caesar were on friendly terms.

A few miles from Jerusalem, near the town of Ein Karem, two women stood in the hill country of Judea on a beautiful spring day. Each of them had a new unexpected life growing within her womb. Oblivious to the religious and political situations, they could only do one thing – rejoice. Conscious that God had stepped into their lives and had done great things for them, their focus was on themselves and on God’s intervention in their lives. The older women affirmed the younger for believing that the promise spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled. The younger burst forth in song from her heart, proclaiming the greatness of the Lord.

Life in America today is a reflection of the Israel of long ago. We have been invaded by a secular culture. We wonder what kind of colluding will go on among the super powers of the world. We can question the clericalism of    the Church and dare to ask if our religion has become stagnant.  And everywhere around us, too, are the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden.

In the midst of these current conditions the calling of these last few days of Advent seems to be for us to go up to our own hill country, to be aware of how God has personally intervened in our lives, to acknowledge the growth that is happening within us, and to break forth in song. Yes, a Savior is waiting to be born.