Each week I receive the “Ascension Presents” video blog hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, who has the same energy level as a child who just ate quart of ice-cream. In fact his videos wake me up faster than a triple-shot espresso! During today’s video entitled “Waiting for Christmas” Fr. Schmitz stated that, “God makes the first move.” He is referring to the reality of God consistently prompting His people to be close to Him all the time. During Advent, as we “wait for Christmas,” God is beckoning us! Unlike a patient in a waiting room wondering how much time will pass before their name is called, God desires us to be receptive to Him in the interim. Fr. Schmitz refers to four key concepts in his message: (1) God moves first; (2) respond to the call; (3) let God lead; (4) believe in transformation.
The First Mover
St. Thomas Aquinas writes, “The existence of God can be proved in five ways. The first and more manifest way is the argument from motion…it is necessary to arrive at a first mover, put in motion by no other; and this everyone understands to be God. Accordingly we know God exists because He is the first mover.” [this has been your Summa Theologiae moment for the day]
God makes the first move. We see this throughout salvation history. He created the earth, called the patriarchs (Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses) to help bring about the nation of Israel, the Chosen People, “moved” them through the desert to the Promised Land, and anointed judges and kings with the promise of one who will set the captives free. [but a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.] During their Exile, as they “awaited” the coming of the Messiah, God sent a message through the prophets that He will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. He moved their hearts. They actively waited, continued to tell the stories, remained somewhat faithful to our merciful God and anticipated His coming. Fast forward to the foretelling of the birth of Jesus at the Annunciation, we read in St. Luke, And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. God came to Mary. She, being totally committed to her faith in the promise of the Messiah, was open to receive the message from God’s angel and ultimately become the tabernacle for Jesus. Once incarnate, Jesus moved the people who encountered Him. Some he sought out, while others cried out to Him. His presence moved them.What do these movements have in common? Those being moved by God received Him and responded in faith and trust.
Does this still happen today? Of course! Why would God ever stop moving in order for us to be closer to Him? If God stopped moving the earth would not spin on its axis. The question is are our receptors open to His movement within our lives? Are we still enough to recognize His hand moving our hearts? Have you ever had a moment when you feel like your should drop to your knees and pray? Next time, do it! God asking you to come to Him.
The Cause & the Response
Yes, prayer is a natural way to move toward God. There is someone nudging us to pray. St. Thomas Aquinas writes about proof of God is, “from the nature of the efficient cause…it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God…” Who do you think causes you to pray? Of course people ask us to pray for them, or we pray in times if need or gratitude. But who is the initial cause of prayer? Well, it’s our faith in God. He is the root cause of our prayer. Fr. Schmitz explains that we respond to God each time we attend Mass. Called together in communion, as we fully and actively participate in the Mass (yes, this includes singing), we are responding to God’s desire for us to be as close to Him as possible. Whether vocal, meditative or contemplative prayer, all are powerful pathways of listening, discerning and fortifying our being. We also can respond as we do kind acts for others. Again, what causes our kindness? It comes from our heart, God’s dwelling place closest to our soul. Likewise, when we act on evil impulses there is a missing link, a synapse, so to speak, in our relationship with God. We sever the bridge of grace.
Let God Lead
One shepherd, many sheep! Remember to let God lead us in life’s decisions. So many times it seems we get ahead of our guardian angels. We get so excited about something that we forget to pray. Then with our ‘DIY’ [do-it-yourself] mindset we may end up lost, overwhelmed and dumb. I love the way my husband says, “You big dummy!” So true! But like a good shepherd, God seeks us out, call us by name and lead us home! Have you ever felt like you are leading yourself through a desert. If the Israelite people needed a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night to lead the way then why are we so different? The Holy Spirit is our cloud and fire leading us home to God. Come Holy Spirit!
Believe in Transformation
Our favorite Christmas-season movie is It’s A Wonderful Life. The challenges of the characters are still present today. When the main character, George, is literally standing on the ledge ready to end it all, when what happens? God moves! Yes, an angel named Clarence [gotta love the name] is sent to intercept the fatal leap. George did not believe his life was meaningful. Hard times had cast a shadow on his eyes which blinded his hope.Yet, Clarence slowly revealed to George how his own actions transformed the lives of others by offering them hope. George finally understood that his life had purpose and meaning. At the end he realized how rich he was, not in currency, but in faith, family and friends! All the goodness he gave came back to him 100-fold. He even helped Clarence become a 1st Class Angel. How about that?!
During these final days of Advent, we are called to prepare our hearts as we actively wait the coming of Jesus, our perfect Hope. For in the manger lies our salvation. From the wood in the manger to the wood of the cross, Jesus fittingly redeems humanity by embodying the weak to make strong, the blind to restore sight, the lame to walk. How are you going to receive Christ this Christmas? Open your arms to the greatest gift even given: that of pure LOVE.