10 December, Sunday — How have I responded to God in the past year?

2nd Sunday of Advent

Is 40:1-5,9-11
2 Pet 3:8-14
Mk 1:1-8

… with the Lord, ‘a day’ can mean a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow to carry out his promises, as anybody else might be called slow; but he is being patient with you all …

It is the bittersweet time of the year when I look back with disbelief (again) at all that has happened in the past twelve months. The above verse from today’s second reading seems particularly apt for my 2023, which was filled with ups and downs. I started the year in a new job after spending eight years in the same organisation and role, encountered health scares for my father, which led to me signing up to be a Communion Minister for the Sick; went for my first charismatic retreat and, on a lighter note, survived my first overseas trip since 2019. These events were all overwhelming and draining in their own way, yet now seem to have come and gone in a flash when I recall them, and regret not spending more time reflecting on them. Perhaps this is how our Lord regards us, as He accompanies us throughout the year.

But this year also brought the sobering realisation of the implications of age and mortality, as I transition to a different stage of life. In professional terms, it was disconcerting to realise that I was now regarded as a ‘senior officer’ who should be more mature in my work and contributions; and I pray that I will be able to learn from both my past and present colleagues, to grow into the officer I aspire to be. In personal terms, it was saddening to hear of family and friends suffering ailments (often chronic) as well as shocking to bid (a sudden) farewell to a loved one. The knowledge that we will face such situations more often doesn’t make them any easier to bear, or prepare for.

These give the words of the second half of the passage, particularly how ‘the Day of the Lord will come like a thief’ greater import and significance. I find myself wondering how, or if, I have been conducting myself ‘in holiness and devotion’ beyond personal prayer and spiritual practices. The location of my new office has given me opportunities to visit the adoration room and even attend lunchtime mass, but how has this borne fruit in my daily conduct and interactions with those around me? Do my colleagues find me more helpful and less prone to gossip? Or do they just think I’m weirdly pious? Have I been more patient with, and willing to take better care of, my elderly parents; and why, or why not?

The reminder that ‘everything is to be dissolved’ also makes me appreciate the value of spiritual detachment. This was a mindset which I had used to be almost afraid of, because it had seemed so contrary to our natural desire to ‘enjoy life’ and so difficult to carry out in practice (if I even wanted to). But a recent daily reflection by the Creighton University’s Online Ministries (link) helped me uncover its underlying call to recognise and respond to God in everything that happens, good or bad, in our lives. This felt like a more acceptable and realistic goal to strive towards (and this insight in itself is probably an indication of how God has been patient with me in providing better understanding of His will and ways). Perhaps it will be a good thought to keep in mind as I continue through the (always busy) Advent and Christmas season and anticipate the year ahead.   

(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)

Prayer: Lord, grant us the grace, wisdom and discipline to slow down and make time for You as we near the end of this year. Please forgive us for the times we failed to choose You, the times we failed to love, the times we took our day for granted. Help us to learn from these times so that we can better respond to You in the year ahead.    

Thanksgiving: Lord, we thank you for the gift of the past year. We thank you for how you walked with us and sustained us every day, and for the many blessings you gave us. May we learn to be like the grateful leper who turned back to You, and grow in holiness and devotion.