I usually watch an excellent movie twice. The first time allows me to get the basic story along with the twists and turns of the plot. However, concentrating on the main story means that I may have missed out on taking in all of the rich details, thus I take time to see it again. It is like driving through a scenic road. We focus on the destination on the first trip, but the subsequent journeys gives us an opportunity to take in the scenery with leisure and appreciation. As part of a continuous cycle of seasons and liturgical celebrations, we have been through this path before. Yet, despite the familiarity of our Christmas practices, each year offers a fresh set of adventures.
First, let us focus on the familiar things. This is the weekend when many of our Catholic communities begin ramping up their Christmas preparations with the evening novena Masses. On the liturgical side, starting on the 17th of December, our Mass readings become more specifically oriented to the story of the incarnation. These are stories we have heard so many times in the past. Yet, we deal with these similar events and readings with a different pair eyes and ears from previous times. We are no longer the same person from last year. We may still look the same, but the accumulation of experiences and insights can make us see the world in a different light. As we journey through life, we learn new things, and these have a profound influence on how we view the world. Our circumstances may have also changed. For example, some of us may have lost a loved one while others added new members to the fold through birth, marriage, friendship, or rediscovered acquaintances. Thus, our perception and perspective change as well.
My invitation is this: be vigilant and attentive. This revisiting of the Christmas season is not just a “been there, done that” time of the year. There will be new encounters and even fresher ways of looking at what is going on; these need a little more attention. Among the experiences we should consider investing time for discernment are not just the joyous occasions but the more perplexing ones as well. Amid our confusion, we can be like our Blessed Mother during her similar difficult moments. In the encyclical of Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos” (which means “He loves us”), he expounded on Mary’s dialogue with her own experience with life’s complexities. She “treasured” all these things and “pondered” in her heart (cf Lk 2:19 and 51). Mary did not discard these moments into the bin of forgetfulness or resentment. With faith and hope, I believe she knew that these are pieces of a puzzle that have not been fully revealed but she also believed that one day they would fit somewhere. This act of prayerfully putting things together in the heart is probably the best way to picture the meaning of pondering. Be vigilant, pay attention, treasure, and ponder: these may hold the secret to finding true joy and peace as we revisit the overlapping threads of our lives. These worthwhile advent practices can also lead to fresh and enriching insights this Christmas.
Fr. John
