November 30th Pastor's Message

Read this week's message from Father Don

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Dear Friends,

God spent many centuries preparing the world for the sending of His son, Jesus Christ. This slow process is best seen in the books of the Old Testament. 

Here is a famous example from chapter 11 of Isaiah, the prophet: On that day, a shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the feast of the Lord.

Advent is a beautiful time to reflect on how, over 1500 years from the time of Abraham to that of Jesus, the Jewish people grew in their understanding of God and longing for the promised Messiah. The season places Christ in his proper historical context and reminds us that Christian faith is a mysterious slow-growing experience.

Sometimes Christians are tempted to believe that the faith is all about their own personal experience or the faith community to which they presently belong. Advent is meant to be a corrective to this inadequate and non-historical spiritual vision. Jesus Christ is Saviour of all peoples in every age. He has revealed himself slowly through his Church and will continue to do so until he returns in glory.

Spiritual growth is a slow process that requires great patience and openness. No one comes to a deep intimacy with Christ quickly. Like the Jewish people, we grow slowly in closeness to God. It is a lifelong process that requires both openness and patience.

May this Advent season deepen your understanding of the faith and lead you into quiet patient reflection.

Love,

Fr. Don

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