I find myself thinking about the many people who are celebrating this Advent after losing their loved ones and homes to the effects of hurricanes on the east coast or to the devastating fires in southern California. And others who may be grieving a loved one who died tragically or trying to navigate through their own or a loved one’s terminal or debilitating illness. At different times in our life, we are faced with heavy burdens that feel too much to carry. Today we are reminded to accept our own poverty and to turn to Him who is our source of hope. He is the One who renews our strength, who redeems life from destruction, when we put our trust and confidence in Him.
You may find yourself crying out that you want a “normal” Advent. When we look at the first Advent, is that what we mean by “normal”? St. Joseph and our Blessed Mother travelled by foot and donkey looking for shelter when Mary was nine months pregnant, and they found their only option was a stable or cave and Jesus’s crib was a manger. Is that what we mean by “normal”? We have a choice when we are carrying our burdens, however heavy they may be. We can stay stuck in anger, frustration, resentment and ask “why?” Or we can ask Him “where are You?” and hear Him say, “Let yourself rest on My Heart. I am with you as you carry your burdens. You never need to feel alone, I am with you always. Give it to Me. I love you. I want to help you carry your burdens.” “Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.”
