Some of us are living in contentious times, and that invites us to embrace a gracious mindset that is characterized by reflection and intentional engagement with ubiquitous news outlets. How providential that we have recently embarked on our Advent journey—a time of waiting with patient wonder for what God will work in us and through us. This can shape how we respond to the present signs of the time.
Perhaps we might reflect upon the possibility that those voices and happenings that are troubling the waters of our consciousness need not hold sway over our interior peace. St. Teresa of Avila reminds us, “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. They who have God lack nothing. God alone is enough.”
During the times of my life when I have been able to maintain a certain equilibrium it is because I have been faithful to the daily consciousness examen. In Consciousness Examen by George Aschenbrenner, S.J., examen is referred to as “a daily, intensive exercise of discernment in a person’s life.” More recently, I have recalled advice that I heard years ago that has served me well: “Make life’s message the first object of your prayer.” I believe that this is another way of expressing Aschenbrenner’s view on the consciousness examen as being “a daily, intensive exercise of discernment in a person’s life.” When I make life’s message the first object of my prayer, I am actually allowing this message to shape my consciousness and eventual deeds. I also believe that being mindful of life’s message can function as a kind of filter that enables us to choose God and the things of God throughout the seasons of our lives.
Life’s present message to me is characterized by an invitation to entrust the world’s most needy to God’s goodness and provident care. When I hear about or see violence in word or deed, I try to nurture dispositions of love and peace in the hope that these attitudes, moods, and eventual actions will blanket the world and promote the Kingdom of God. Too often political discourse can be tainted with inflammatory rhetoric. We can expect and demand better.
Years ago, when I first joined my religious community, I was introduced to an Advent practice that we referred to as Harboring Mary. We were given small medals of Mary that we pinned to our habits. Though not visible to others, these medals reminded us of the spirit and disposition of the Virgin Mary as she awaited the arrival of her Son, Jesus. I would like to believe that embracing such a disposition can have a ripple effect in our world that can transform the spirit of our discourse and challenge us to find ways to engage others that are marked by respect and genuine acceptance of differences.
So, I invite all of us to harbor Mary, to walk with Mary during this season of Advent in the hope that like her we can bring Jesus to the world and contribute to the coming of the Kingdom of God in real time.
