The "new normal". A "change of seasons"?

 

It seems that generally this time of year there’s much more focus on the amount of dollars and effort spent on Black Friday shopping rather than how we can be preparing our hearts for the season of Advent.  Jesus warns to not let our hearts become drowsy (Luke 21:34-36).  The sources of anxiety are plentiful as we collectively worry about health, finances, identity, safety, and quality of life.  While these worries are very real and important, they distract us from trusting in God.

The Gospel reminds us of how easy it is to become lazy in our life of faith.  It reminds us that our hearts can become drowsy from “carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.”  During my reflection, I broke both of these causes down.

First, we’re warned against carousing and drunkenness.  This certainly applies on a literal level, meaning, we should obviously avoid abusing drugs and alcohol.  But it also applies to numerous other ways that we’re made “drowsy” through a lack of temperance.  Abuse of alcohol is only one way of escaping from the burdens of life, but there are many ways we can do this.  Any time we give in to an excess of one sort or another, we begin to let our hearts become drowsy on a spiritual level.  Whenever we seek momentary escapes from life without turning to God, we allow ourselves to become spiritually drowsy. 

Second, “the anxieties of daily life” is identified as a source of becoming drowsy.  So often we do face anxiety in life.  We can feel overwhelmed and overly burdened by one thing or another.  When we feel burdened by life, we tend to look for a way out.  And far too often, the “way out” is something that makes us spiritually drowsy. 

As I prayed with and reflected on Luke’s Gospel today, I felt a sense of calm come over me.  Although I’ve allowed myself to be distracted by the anxieties of daily life, I’m invited by Jesus to shift my attention away from anxious thoughts and feelings.  This is the time to create a new normal.  The COVID pandemic has provided an opportunity to appreciate what’s important in life, how we can connect with one another in more meaningful ways and what attractions, habits, and behaviors we should turn away from.

The year 2020 has been a year with events that few of us have experienced in our lifetimes.  This reminder from Jesus to be vigilant at all times helps frame my hopes for Advent and for the future.  I pray that we may all stay centered through prayer.  I ask for God to help us quiet our minds when our thoughts are swirling with daily frustrations and worries.  I pray that everyone will look for simple ways to be present to others.  Embracing a quiet, peaceful, prayerful Advent will be a wonderful new normal—a “change of seasons” (Ecclesiastes 3)