By Sister Teresa Mong Kieu Dao Thi
Find a quiet and comfortable space. Sit in a relaxed but upright position, allowing your body to feel grounded. Close your eyes gently and take a deep breath, holding for a moment before exhaling slowly. Let your mind settle as you bring yourself into the present moment. Be aware of God’s presence.
Let us begin our retreat with an opening song: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
O Lord, Prince of Hope and Justice, as we begin our Advent journey, we ask you to come and reign in our hearts. May you nourish us with your loving presence and bring us a new life full of hope, peace, joy, and love.
We invite you to ponder The Old Testament reading for the first Sunday of Advent:
The days are coming, says the LORD,
Jer. 33:14-16
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.
In those days Judah shall be safe
and Jerusalem shall dwell secure;
this is what they shall call her:
“The LORD our justice.”
Advent is a season of waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises of salvation. It reminds us of God’s miraculous intervention: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). God is with us, sharing both joy and sorrow.
The reading from the book of Jeremiah directs us toward hope for a future when God will fulfill God’s promise. The Righteous One will arise from the House of David, bringing justice, peace and security, and the people of Israel will be saved. The anticipation of this promise filled the hearts of the people of Israel who longed for the day when God’s justice would reign, and they would experience true peace.
As we begin the Advent journey, we are called to wait in hopeful anticipation with patience and trust, knowing that God’s timing is always perfect. This is an active longing for the presence of Christ in our lives. It reminds us that even in times of uncertainty and challenge, God is still there with us. God is always present in the land of our souls. While we are waiting for God, God is also waiting for us to have a “homecoming” and to search for God deep within our hearts. God gives us hope and strength to be transformed into holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit and hope for hearts filled with hatred, selfishness, and violence to be transformed and replaced by forgiveness, compassion, generosity, and inclusivity. May we foster love and respect for those around us, as our faith assures us that they are our brothers and sisters, all children of God. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). May we be ready to journey together in communion to pursue a common mission through dynamic participation in the Synodal Church.
Reflection Questions
What are you waiting for in this season of Advent?
How can you actively cultivate hope in your heart in this Advent concerning the signs of the time?
In what ways can you share God’s justice and peace with those around you during this time of anticipation?
Let us pray…
O God of mercy and justice,
We are longing for your coming
May you pour out upon us love and faithfulness
May you give us strength to transform our lives as we journey to wholeness
Whenever we feel life is challenging, be with us
Whenever we feel disappointed about the signs of the time, give us the light of hope
May You come again in our land of soul as we return to ourselves and wait for You. Amen.