Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent
Isa 11:1-10
Lk 10:21-24
“…and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
I have just gotten through performance appraisal season and this time round, I decided to have one-on-one chats with the staff who were assessing others for their first time. In those chats, I was heartened to note how level-headed they were and was assured that there would be no chance of any form of ‘favouritism’ creeping in. This was important for me because as I begin the process of relinquishing my role as head of the division, I want to ensure that what has kept us together, united and well-regarded over the years remains as a guiding principle.
I have also been busy with ministry work, both at CSC (the centre where my faith journey began) as well as in my parish – our choir will be presenting a Christmas concert soon. While in the past, I would tend to get pretty anxious about the preparations and the time spent singing/discerning, this time, a quiet and contained countenance has come over me. I am embracing the coming weeks (as you read this, I should be on my way to Cebu on a much-anticipated silent retreat) with expectant faith, knowing that Jesus is going to reveal himself to me. More importantly, I am wondering what God has in store for me in this period of ‘waiting’.
And I hope we have all been waiting for Christ to reveal himself to us after a year fraught with all manner of disruption. I heard on the radio a few days ago that Merriam-Webster’s ‘word of the year’ is – authentic. I couldn’t help but smile at that revelation because I believe that being authentic (both at work and in ministry) has enabled me to witness God’s presence in my life and thus, I have gained a different perspective (even admiration) for how He has been my constant rock and redeemer. Each time the chips have been down this year for me, He has been there for me. Almost every major decision I have taken has been done with His hand guiding me. I have stopped asking ‘Why me?’ and just opened my heart to accept His love and providence.
I recently started to ‘divest’ my life of things that have probably been more luxuries than real needs – at this time of writing, I have just completed the handover of my vehicle to an agent. All I can say is that being car-less is definitely going to give me a whole new set of experiences and possibly time to myself to contemplate, as I hop on/off public transport or occasionally make use of a popular car-sharing app.
Brothers and sisters, who Jesus chooses to reveal God’s almighty presence and love to is a mystery. In some cases, by our actions/thoughts/deeds, we can inspire others around us by asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” In other circumstances, perhaps a question to ask would be, “If Jesus were in my shoes now, what would He say to _____?” My point is this – Jesus is always with us and by our side. How we appreciate it comes down to what sort of connection we have/build with Him. I want to encourage us all, as we prepare for His birth, to find time (I began with 10 mins each day) to just soak/bask in His presence so that when the time comes, we will fully allow Him to be reborn in our hearts.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Oh heavenly Father, you who gave us your only son to redeem mankind, continue to nourish us with your presence and everlasting love. Be with us in our times of desolation so that we can always look to you as our guiding light.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for the gift of Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer.
OXYGEN 
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