With Advent underway in this unusual year impacted in so many ways by the coronavirus pandemic, many Catholics are seeking ways to make the season more meaningful. That was the topic tackled by Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries at the virtual First Friday Club of Cleveland program on Dec. 3 as he walked participants through the four weeks of preparation for the Christmas season. The bishop serves as the club’s spiritual moderator.
Bishop Gries said he’s hoping the pandemic can be remembered as a journey. “Advent is also a journey – a journey to Christmas,” he explained. The anticipation of Christmas and Gods gracious love comes to us and dwells within us “and nothing can stop it,” the bishop said.
“As we anticipate his coming, he is also excited about our coming to him,” he added.
His advice: “Stay awake. Advent invites us to live with eyes wide open -- to live, laugh and love with great excitement and urgency.”
We need change, Bishop Gries said, because of the pandemic and also in our society. He mentioned Bishop Edward Malesic’s weekly Scripture reflection for the first Sunday of Advent, noting that he wrote about us hoping for the Lord to return and set things right.
“We need God; we are facing so many difficulties in life,” Bishop Gries said.
During the second week of Advent, he said we should be open to the moment.
“How often do we search for something that is in plain sight? The kingdom of heaven is like that. Change how you see things and where you look,” he said, adding that Jesus tells us to open our hearts to receive it (the gift of his love) and to open our arms to embrace it.
As Advent progresses to the third week, the anticipation of Christ’s coming grows.
“Our response is now, ‘Oh God, you see how your people await the feast of the Nativity,’” he said. “Advent calls us to expect the unexpected. Our Messiah doesn’t come in kingly robes, but as the son of a peasant girl. Why should we be surprised?” Bishop Gries asked.
He shared the story of a professionally trained musician who had fallen on hard times and was homeless. The man gave a concert on a worn instrument and impressed many because they did not expect someone like him to have such a gift.
“John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord – the Messiah – just as we’re called to prepare the way of the Lord. We all have a role in God’s kingdom,” Bishop Gries said.
As the fourth Sunday of Advent brings the season to a close, the bishop said we can hear the angels as we “listen with the ear of our hearts.”
He talked about the Nativity – how people, especially the shepherds in the fields, were amazed by what they heard and saw. “Mary kept this all in her heart,” he added.
“The journey of Advent is exciting. We keep things in our heart and look forward to Christmas. As we listen to the Advent readings – no matter where or how you attend Mass – we are all experiencing the journey of life,” Bishop Gries said.
The virtual meeting was Marian Rubin’s last as club president. Replacing her for 2021 is Bill Prebel, who served as vice president for the past year. Tom Finucane will continue as treasurer; Ann-Marie LaPorta is the new vice president; and John Diemer was president emeritus. Rubin said a new club secretary will be announced in January.
The next program, at noon on Jan. 7 on Zoom, will feature Greg Wasinski executive director of Let Me Be Ministries. Click here for more information or to register for the free program.