RBWords

     When I was in Catholic grade school so many years ago, I learned (from the Baltimore Catechism, of course!) the Catholic tradition of "communion of desire."  This was primarily intended to address the situation of persons who, for various reasons, could not receive communion at Mass. Most dramatically this might apply to those countries where Mass was prohibited, but it could apply to someone whose health situation was such that they were unable to receive as well, or were divorced and re-married, etc.   I was taught that the fervent desire to receive the Eucharist achieved the same result spiritually.  

     I mention this because Advent touches on that kind of desire for the coming of the Lord, both historically as celebrated at Christmas, but also as in his second coming for which we must wait in hope and patience, just as those who lived before Jesus' birth had to hope and wait.  Desire and patience do not always get along with one another!  But the Centurion in the gospel scripture for today showed a faith and hope that did not require Jesus to come in person but simply to "say the word and my servant will be healed."  It was his faith that fulfilled his desire.

     The great Dominican mystic, Meister Eckhart, once wrote, "What good is it to me that Christ was born in a stable 2000 years ago if he is not born in me?"  Advent is a time of desire for Christ.  Our surrounding culture competes for his place in our desire. The season of Advent is our response to that distraction and the tradition of the Advent wreath can direct our desires and hopes to the nativity scene and then on to our ultimate hope.  AMEN