Putting on Christ

24/11/2022

A Reflection on the Second Reading for November 27, 2022:
The First Sunday of Advent

Romans
13.11-14

Brothers and sisters, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy.

Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

“Salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers.” Do we believe this? For me, it can sometimes feel like all I do in my faith life is backslide. When I remember the passion of my youth, of when I first came to know the Lord, I can’t help but think that I must have been closer to salvation then than I am now. I remember those days of wanting to spend all my time in the church, of wanting nothing more than to be in God’s presence. Every moment with God was so full of mystery and intensity and fervour.

Prayer now is still a wonderful experience, but it is a much quieter one for me. My relationship with Christ no longer has many words, and is lived out much more often in relationship and in service to those around me. The temptation is to believe that because this is less intense, less transcendent, it is therefore somehow less real.

Looking with eyes of faith, I see that St. Paul’s words here are true for me. They are true for all of us, as every moment inevitably brings each of us closer to the moment when we will meet God face to face. But they are also reflected in my life of faith. Christ continually draws closer to me, and draws me closer to Him in all those I meet. We “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” as we come to know Him and to follow Him. It seems logical that as He comes closer, our words fall away, the distance between me and Him is diminished, and our relationship becomes part of the fabric of every moment, not just those of high intensity and prayer.

As we enter into this season of Advent, we are invited again to draw closer to Christ. To dress ourselves in Him and to enter into the time of silent waiting as we watch for the day when we will be completely one with Him.

Sr. Gemma MacLeod

2 Comments

Alana

24/11/2022 07:30:35 am

Thank you for this reflection Sister Gemma. I can so relate to this: “For me, it can sometimes feel like all I do in my faith life is backslide.” and what you said about prayer being quieter now and how that can question that it’s less real. But there is also an assurance, a comfort, in that familiar quiet…that He is always with us. Lord, help us to always remember You are near…in the still small voice. Help us be still and know that You are God. Amen. 😊🙏🏻💕xo

Donna Davis

25/11/2022 09:51:22 am

“… [A]s He comes closer, our words fall away, the distance between me and Him is diminished, and our relationship becomes part of the fabric of every moment ….” I love being in this space, and you describe it beautifully, Sr. Gemma. Thank you.