THE SEASON OF HOPE FOSTERING HOPE BY SEEKING DIRECT SERVICE

Pope SaintJohn Paul II

"Like thedisciples of

Emmaus,believers,

supported by theliving presence

of the risenChrist, become inturn the traveling

companions oftheir brothersand sisters in

trouble, offeringthem the word

which rekindleshope in their

hearts."

WWW.COLUMBUSCATHOLIC.ORG/SEASON-OF-HOPE

ERIN CORDLE , DIOCESAN HOPE TASK FORCE

During Advent, we are reminded of a voice “calling in thewilderness prepare the way of the LORD!” (Isaiah 40:3) Isaiah 40can be an alarm clock after the rhythm of Ordinary Time towake us up. It can be a jolt awakening – a middle of the nightcrash that makes us sit up in bed and look around. It mightscare us a little, maybe even make us gasp, but it definitelymakes us notice our surroundings. Advent entices all of oursenses because the Spirit is moving and preparing the way ofthe Lord.

Isaiah 40 references the Israelites in exile in Babylonia. Thepeople are desperately hoping for a joyful return to theirhomeland – to a more normal life again. Amidst their burnoutand fatigue, they hear God who comforts them with the promiseof liberation and restoration. Many of us also are experiencingburnout, fatigue, pain, or suffering. Much like those exiled inBabylonia, we may feel like giving up as we may not realizehow close hope is.

I find it no coincidence that Advent follows busy seasons formany of us: the start of a new school year, the election season,Thanksgiving, fall sports, and numerous other timecommitments – even in this COVID-19 environment. We haven’tbeen wandering around aimlessly during Ordinary Time, but wemay have settled into more ordinary routines. Advent lets uslook around and have opportunities to hear God as weapproach the birth of Jesus. There are sacred and powerfulreminders of God’s comfort all around us during Advent – allwe need to do is lean in and watch. Hope and help is closerthan it seems to be.

RESOURCES:

"Be merciful tome, Lord, for I am

in distress; myeyes grow weakwith sorrow, my

soul and body withgrief…But I trust

in you, Lord; I say,'You are my God.'My times are in

your hands." (Psalm 31:10, 15)

YOU ARE NOTALONE.

Advent also provides us with opportunities to see our own pain and

suffering, and the pain and suffering of those around us. It’s a good time

to seek comfort and provide comfort. For many, it may be easier to offer

help than to seek it. Nevertheless, there are tangible resources available

to those of us who are experiencing despair, isolation, addiction, mental

and physical health issues. Check out the diocesan Season of Hope

website at: www.columbuscatholic.org/season-of-hope.

“We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and

disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called

to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.” (Pope

Francis, Meditation during Urbi Et Orbi Blessing. Friday, March 27th,

2020).

The ultimate hope of Christ’s unending Kingdom and the reality that we

all are living in tension, reminds us that, “for God all things are possible.”

(Mt 19:26) When God shows up and we show up, we are a part of the

hope and healing that this world needs so desperately.

God is here. Christ is coming! Christ is near. Christ is with us because a

voice cries out, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”

Advent is a time of preparation. It also can be a time to stopand reflect in a quiet, calm space.

Reflect:- What causes you pain, anxiety, or a sense of beingdisconnected?- Imagine God is speaking words of hope and healing to you.What is God saying?- Where is there hope and healing in the form of directservice in your community?- Is there a person in your life you can help to find hope andhealing?

WWW.COLUMBUSCATHOLIC.ORG/SEASON-OF-HOPERESOURCES:

Erin Cordle, associate director, diocesan Office for Social Concerns