What came first the egg or the chicken? One of the most interesting of arguments of the rationalists!
Irrelevant for those who believe in the existence of God. But another argument in keeping with Advent is this: What comes first? Whether receiving or giving!
There is no doubt that we normally first receive and then give. We can only give what we have. So also (humanly speaking) there is greater rejoicing that comes through receiving than through giving. In giving one has to attune oneself to find joy, whereas in receiving one finds joy naturally.
But some wise man may say ‘we can give of ourselves for that is one thing which we need not receive’. That which you have is also that which you have received.
The daily readings at Advent, focus beautifully on visions of peace and harmony (Is.11 : 1-11).where the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and the goats will be at peace. WOW! what a sight ! But is this only a vision for the future? No!.We could experience this contentment and wellbeing in this life itself, if we allow the Word Of God to touch and transform us.
In Advent Christ comes to us, through a special time of Grace. John the Baptiser’ call to prepare the way of the Lord is an invitation to receive the one who brings joy. It is a call to receive rather than to give. For, to give of our human advice, and of worldly knowledge, is much easier, than, to receive from the Lord’s Word. For receiving from this refreshing source, the Holy Spirit Himself, requires special effort through much reflection and discipline and putting into practice. We find it often irrelevant and boring to receive from His presence.
This receiving is necessary for us who are disfigured beyond recognition by the control of sin over our lives. Jesus is the perfect and just one, whose offering of Himself at Calvary, whose giving, is our sure hope and confidence, of restoration of our brokenness. This offer is highlighted for us at Advent.,
Come receive Him by inviting Him into your hearts. Receive Him by asking Him to take charge of your life. Cleanse yourself from the hurts and negativity in your subconscious by inviting Jesus into those still, darkened and wounded areas of your life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus teach me to receive rather than give, for I am nothing without you and can offer nothing. All that I have belongs to you including this very self of mine. What can I offer for I am sinful and miserable? With you in me I shall be made whole and your life giving instrument to others.
Thank you Fr. Conrad for highlighting us the meaning of ADVENT
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FATHER GOD, FOR GIVING US YOUR SON JESUS, who died for our sins.
Lord Jesus, help to keep our hearts and mind focused on You, so that we can walk in Your ways all the days of our life to RECEIVE Your hope, joy, strength and favour and let us declare ourselves Your blessings by faith and living the abundant life by Receiving you in this season of Advent
Yes. I have found it more difficult to open myself to receive from God, not because I don no want but it enters within me with a price (sort of) I have to pay...a transformation, which I have found difficult at times, but when accepted, I have experienced the beauty of being tuned by His Word, experiencing His Joy and Peace which the world cannot give. Thank You Lord
ReplyDeleteThe advent message by Fr Conrad is brilliant! No offence or judgement towards anyone, but generally what you hear from the pulpit is about giving to the poor and helping the needy during christmas. But in reference to an incident in the Acts 3:6, St Peter says that he has no gold and silver but he has the Lord and he gives the Lord to this poor man.Money would have satisfied him for a day but the Lord given to this man has satisfied him forever cause he is no longer in the bondage that has caused him to be needy in the first place. And St Peter could give of the Lord, because he received him in the first place. I think, like Fr says, this advent we need to receive the lord so that we can give of him. Finally what greater treasure in this world that Jesus, our Lord,himself. Praise the Lord.
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