As I begin these few days of retreat in Ashland. New Hampshire, this morning is cold and crisp, but as clear as a bell. It is calm and quiet looking out to the mountains and the wintry landscape. As we arrived late Sunday afternoon, the sky was sprinkling us with a few snow flurries!
Easing into this gentle rhythm it is all so characteristic of the Advent Season. The beautiful liturgies over last weekend certainly set the tone. Our Advent wreath, the giving tree, and the familiar Advent hymns welcomed us into this time of peaceful reflection.
During the next three weeks in our scripture readings we will meet all the important people who characterize Advent. From Isaiah the Prophet to John the Baptist, Elizabeth and Mary, Joseph and Jesus Himself. All of them lead us closer to the Father and God’s loving gift of salvation.
This coming week with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we are reminded how God’s plan for salvation unfolded through the centuries with the cooperation of faith filled people like Mary. From the beginning He chose her and selected her to be the mother of His Son. Mary’s yes encourages us all to give our assent to God in our lives and to allow Him to use us to further His kingdom here on earth.
May this advent Season bring some quiet and peace into our hearts and allow us to make room for the Savior to be born anew for all humanity.