Advent Readalong – Week Four

Dear Everyone,

The theme of our readings this past week was Redemption. Redemption is a powerful thing and one that I try to explore through my writings. 

Many of us long for a second chance, for forgiveness, for mercy.  Bonhoeffer stresses the message of redemption through grace and the central importance of the Incarnation. The Incarnation, the culmination of our Advent waiting, is the beginning of the possibility of redemption. 

While Advent teaches us to wait, the recognition of our need for redemption should teach us to be patient with others who are also in need of forgiveness, grace, and mercy. It’s so easy to look at the world around us and point to all those who need to change, but it’s very difficult to turn our eyes inward and admit our own faults and ask for forgiveness.

Last night at Mass we sang “O come, O come Emmanuel.” Come and be with us, God, and be with us in our self-righteousness and failures. Rescue us from ourselves. Forgive us and teach us to forgive others.

As we turn toward Christmas in these next few days, Bonhoeffer invites us to meditate on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and welcome your comments below. Our readings will continue until Epiphany, which is January 6^th.

Peace be with you all and with your communities,

SR

http://www.sylvainreynard.com