Keeping Faith in a Changing World - The Call to Advent Vigilance

 - November 24, 2015

 

As we begin a new liturgical year, our readings invite us to be vigilant.  In a world where so many broken promises lead us to despair or cynicism, we are invited to trust in the faithfulness of a God who “keeps his word.” All around us, the world is in crisis: the threat of terrorism, the plight of refugees, climate change and environmental degradation, labour disputes – not to mention the more personal crises affecting our individual and family lives. Too often, we are disappointed by those very institutions in society to which we look for stability, well-being, and security. 

There is nothing new about this. Those to whom Luke wrote this Gospel had witnessed the destruction of their cherished Temple, experienced displacement, exile, and persecutions.  No less, to our world searching for meaning and purpose, Jesus’ words encourage us not to lose hope, but to remain alert, preparing ourselves for his coming. We hear and respond to Jesus’ call to conversion by paying attention to what is going on around us; by “reading the signs of the times” – including the reality of change. 

We sometimes speak of faith as a rock, something unchanging.  Yet growth in faith is always an invitation to embrace change. This doesn’t come easily or naturally to us. We establish routines and become comfortable with them. And yet, “from womb to tomb”, that call to change, to grow, to expand our horizons, to experience conversion and renewal, endures. In summary: “We seek stability; the world gives us change. The real question is: How can we find inner stability, in the midst of a changing world?”  The answer lies in our faith in Jesus Christ, who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever,” whose ways are “steadfast love and faithfulness.” 

Pope Francis constantly reminds us, by word and example, that a stagnant, self-referential Church becomes dry and lifeless: we are challenged to go out to the peripheries, to be converted by an encounter with the poor, by those who are different from us.  As he visits Africa this week, as world leaders gather in Paris to address the environmental crisis, as our nation opens its borders and its hearts to the Syrian refugees, let us be vigilant: trusting in God’s Word, awaiting the fulfillment of his promise.  May Christ’s Advent find us watchful and ready.