In Blaise Pascal’s work, Pensees, he says: “What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”

We have a difficult time accepting that fulfillment and happiness are not achieved by our own merits but through a relationship with God. We are hardwired for this relationship and it is in our DNA. The simple fact is that we come from God and are designed to return to God. If our beginning and our end define who we are, why would we not want to seek the One who can truly satisfy? The world does not realize that it is waiting. It is waiting for the birth of God in time, within one’s soul and in eternity. We get so confused by seeking other momentary satisfactions that we misinterpret the hunger within. We crave God.

The union of God and humanity, revealed in Jesus Christ, is precisely what sets us on a straight path, orders our relationships, establishes proper focus and goals and tells us whose kingdom we really are meant to serve. We are so lost. God is with us. The prophet Nathan told this to King David, the angel said this to Mary and the birth of Christ brings this Good News to us. We do not need to be busily looking for more things but must learn to find contentment and blessing in the One Presence. This is the beautiful simple message of Advent!

If you are feeling unsettled, anxious, angry, disgruntled, disconnected, unhappy, worried, fearful, off center, becoming overly self-indulgent, unable to spend time alone and without distraction, then there’s a good chance you are lost. Now is the time to allow God to find you! Ponder the holy simplicity of Mary’s call to be the Mother of God. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” When we are helpless and at home with our emptiness, God will fill us. Our Savior has come.

La atmósfera de la Liturgia de hoy es de júbilo y de alegría, porque la luz del Nacimiento de Cristo se acerca. Juan Bautista invita con intensidad a que descubramos la identidad de Jesús. Él indica el camino, y aún más les dice a sus oyentes: “Yo no soy digno de soltarle la correa de su sandalia”. (Juan 1:27) Con esta expresión indica la grandeza del que viene. Su dignidad es grande, es de Rey. Juan es el profeta que tiene la alegría de dar esperanza a aquel pueblo que vivía en tinieblas. San Pablo también habla a los Tesalonicenses de la importancia de la fe a la luz de la alegría. “Estén siempre alegres, oren sin cesar y den gracias a Dios en toda ocasión; esta es, por voluntad de Dios, su vocación de cristianos. Y añade: No apaguen el Espíritu, no desprecien lo que dicen los profetas. Examínenlo todo y quédense con lo bueno. Eviten toda clase de mal, dondequiera lo encuentren”. (Tesalonicenses 5:16-22)

El Adviento es descubrir que Dios está en medio de nosotros. Y la alegría es el punto clave y esencial de nuestra vida de fe. Esa alegría se muestra en la convivencia familiar, en la ayuda al más vulnerable de la familia, en apoyar al inmigrante que sufre toda clase de desprecios. En fin, la generosidad no debe tener límites. Al Señor se le reconoce en el hermano/a con pensamientos y acciones efectivas. El Señor vendrá en unos días, sí, pero, su presencia en la Eucaristía está presente ya entre nosotros. ¿Lo reconoces ahí? ¡Ven Señor no tardes tanto en llegar!

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