Dear Friends,
Advent means arrival. Does God have a chance to arrive with me this advent? Do I expect God? Do I open my heart for God? In the gospel that we heard on this First Sunday of Advent (Matthew 24:37-44), Jesus reminds his disciples of the time before the Great Flood. All were so busy with eating and drinking, marrying and being married that they noticed the impending disaster only when it was too late.
Advent is a busy time. Throughout the year, we have to do justice to our manifold obligations in the family and at work. During the upcoming weeks, however, we are also meant to write Christmas mail, decorate the home, buy presents and prepare a nice feast! Still the gospel makes it clear to us: All that we do and plan can come to an end at a moment’s notice. There are more important things than what keeps us occupied in everyday life.
Attending a retreat at St. Benedict Center could be one way of making time for God and of opening our hearts to God. All our programs coming up in 2023 are listed on our website now. Please have a look at our retreat schedule.
While visiting our craft show, you may find a few more good Christmas presents. And, stopping by our nativity scenes display, you can get in touch with the true reason for the season. I wish you blessed weeks of Advent! See you again soon!
Fr. Thomas