BLESSED PREPARATION FOR THE NATIVITY
Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ:
The day after thanksgiving begins the wonderful journey to Christmas-the Nativity Fast. Our journey reminds us of the long and challenging journey of the wise men who followed the star-angelic presence seeking uncertain mysteries and blessings.
One year when we were about to start the Fast some of our parishioners impressed this idea in their minds and entered the fast with a goal. They convinced themselves that the Church, as our mother, was preparing them for a great blessing, that there was a goal to the fast that made it like the journey of the wise men. This idea made a big difference. Their days were purpose driven to prepare to be a part of the Nativity of Christ now just as the wise men were over 2000 years ago. It is true that something happens to us on the journey and at the journeys end.
As the first steps of our journey come right after a big Thanksgiving diner we will be hit with an immediate temptation. The temptation for us will be a groan from the belly: "why now, so soon, what about the leftovers", causing us to reluctantly enter the time of fasting. Don't accept this! The journey is more important than the leftovers. Someone else can do the honors. We have expecting mothers, neighbors who aren't in the Church and most importantly, the poor people who come to Open Door Soup Kitchen to help us with this dilemma.
There will be other temptations of course-office parties, Christmas shopping. Everyone will be celebrating Christmas with food and song before it happens. Then after the day, that last day of shopping and gifts, the Christmas "spirit" will suddenly vanish and we will see trees with their tinsel and stars lying out on the streets like toppled toy soldiers waiting for the garbage pick-up.
Our preparation and approach is very different and should last us throughout the whole year and not suddenly and abruptly end. There is nothing wrong with being out of synch with a worldly celebration. The fact that we celebrate Nativity on the Old Calendar highlights this even further. We are not celebrating dates and times but rather we approach Nativity as an eternal Mystery which the Church holds as a treasure waiting for our approach. The season requires that we make ready the cave of our hearts, our Church community and our homes. Only the pure in heart will see God and rejoice. Our zeal and the gifts we bring to the Holy Child should be greater than the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh of the Kings because we know who we are seeking- the Lord Who became incarnate, God Who took on human flesh for our sake- the only "New" thing that happened since the creation. For us each Advent Nativity Fast is a journey of remembering this, of overcoming the bonds of sin and worldly attachment, and preparing the good ground through prayer, study, repentance and love.
Let us take our first steps leaping for joy, clapping our hands. As the Lord said: "put oil on your head and wash your face." St. John Chrysostom explains, not that anointing occurs (none of us do this, after all) but that satisfaction be shown and there be joy in attitude (he bids the person be happy in fasting, you see, not sullen)... p299 St. John Chrysostom Commentary on the Psalms Robert Charles Hill, Vol 1 HC
By our attitude we in a way magnify the glory of the Lord because we willingly show enthusiasm for the preparation for such a great event as the Nativity of our Lord. Our enthusiasm will also fuel our journey and preparation. I look forward to this journey together with you.
With love in
Christ,
Fr. Patrick