Advent

Advent

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Hello. And welcome to our walk together. This is the place where we have a chance to listen and to learn from others on our walk. My name is Paul Wong and I will be your host, but also a fellow traveler. I’m glad that you’re able to join me today on.
Our walk together.
Hello everybody and welcome to our walk together. It’s that time of year when we begin to think about Christmas and and all those kinds of things, but we also need to take a pause. And think about what we’re celebrating. Because every year, as as Christmas decorations begin to appear earlier and earlier in stores. I find myself yearning for deeper spiritual preparation that goes beyond that commercial rush. This search has led me to discover the profound wisdom of the Franciscan tradition. Which offers a refreshingly simple, yet profound approach to preparing for Advent. The Franciscan pass to spiritual preparation. Stands apart in its emphasis on simplicity, joy, and connection to creation. While many of us struggle with the overwhelming demands of the modern Christmas celebrations, Saint Francis’s teachings provide us with timeless guidance for meaningful spiritual preparation. In this episode I I hope to explore how the Franciscan tradition can transform our Advent journey. From traditional prayers to practical applications in our contemporary world. Together we will discover ways to embrace this centuries old wisdom while building a deeper spiritual connection. During this season of Advent. The Franciscan approach to Advent brings a a unique perspective to spiritual preparation that feels particularly relevant in our modern world. Saint Francis of Assisi. His profound connection with the Christmas story is perhaps best illustrated through his creation of the first nativity scene at Gretchen. This wasn’t merely a decorative display. It represented his deep desire to make the Christmas story tangible and accessible to everyone. Watch for the Christmas podcast for more on this. Saint Francis’s unique. Approach to Advent is what makes the Franciscan approach distinct. It’s distinct in the fact that it emphasized it has emphasis on active and attentive preparation rather than forceful in patient goal shaking. We were invited to enter God’s story from a different angle, moving away from asking God to enter our lives. And instead seeking ways to enter his story. This shift to perspective transforms how we approach the Advent season. Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of Francis Conspiritus quality is its deep concentration on the natural world. Francis saw the cosmos and all creation as his kin, his family referring to to the son, his brother in the moon, his sister. This perspective reminds us that even in winter steps. We could find God’s presence in the shifting displays of original beauty and blessing. I’ve discovered that spending time in in nature during Advent could be a profound spiritual practice. As the Franciscan tradition teaches us, it’s nearly impossible to spend time in nature without having some sort of profound spiritual experience. This connection to creation becomes especially meaningful during the Advent as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. This doesn’t need to be a long or significant trip or a long hike or anything like that. Sometimes it’s just taking the time to stand outside. For a while. Especially here in the Northeast where I I live, that could be. A short while, especially this time of year. Looking deeper into the Franciscan tradition. I’ve discovered that the. Core elements of advance spirituality offer a profound framework for our spiritual preparation. These elements, while centuries old, speak directly to our modern hearts, seeking authentic connection during the Advent season. Saint Francis viewed poverty and humility as inseparable twins in our spiritual journey. A man is what he is in the sight of God and nothing more, he reminded us. I’ve come to understand that this perspective isn’t about material deprivation, but rather about recognizing our complete dependence on God. When we embrace these virtues, we feel ourselves and we free ourselves. From the enslavement to possessions that breeds violence. Joy is a spiritual discipline and in the Franciscan tradition I’ve learned that joy differs significantly from mere happiness, while happiness depends on external circumstances. True joy is rooted in our relationship with God. During Advent, this distinction becomes particularly meaningful. As we’re called to do. A couple things maintain joy even amid challenges. Focus on relationships rather than results. Trust in God’s nearness as the source of our rejoicing, brotherhood and community celebrations are important during this time. The Franciscan approach emphasizes that our spiritual preparation isn’t a solitary journey. Through community service and shared celebration, we strengthen our connection to both God and neighbor. I found that this communal aspect of Advent. And Advent preparation helps resist the individualistic tendencies of our modern world. What makes this approach particularly powerful is how these elements work together. When we embrace poverty and humility, we open ourselves to authentic joy, which naturally flows into meaningful community celebration.
This.
Integrated approach. Creates a spiritual preparation that’s both deeply personal and wonderfully communal. The sacred rhythms. Rhythms of Franciscan Advent traditions have always fascinated me with their beautiful blend blend of prayer and active service. These customs offer us a road map for meaningful spiritual preparation that resonates even in our contemporary world. In the Franciscan tradition, I found that career during Advent takes on a special significance through structured yet heartfelt practices. The advent wreaths, prayers and hold a particular importance with specific intentions for each week. Strength of will in the first week, opening our hearts in the second. Celebration and salvation in the 3rd and preparing for Christ coming in the 4th. One of my very favorite Franciscan pro traditions during during this season of Christmas is that that this anticipation prayer. The anticipation prayer traditionally was recited 15 times a day daily from November 30th until Christmas. We don’t do it quite as much. As that now. But the prayer still holds. A lot of meaning for us. And before you try writing all this down. It’s easily found on on the web by typing Christmas anticipation prayer in your search engine. The prayer is. Hail and blessed be the hour and moment. In which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary. At midnight in Bethlehem and the piercing cold. At that hour, forsake myself, you know, my God, you hear my prayers. And Grant my desires to the merits of Jesus Christ in his most. Holy mother. Amen. I’ve discovered that these prayers, the Advent wreath, the the prayer just recited they can they can do a lot to help us. They can help us to transform waiting moments into sacred encounters. They can help us to replace impatience with spiritual mindfulness. They help us to focus on gratitude amid preparation. Those first couple are actually all three of these. We we experience them every day, transform waiting moments. How many times are we waiting in line at the store and we just have to wait. And we can turn that into a sacred encounter. We are in patience during this time of year. Everybody’s so busy, we’re Even so busy ourselves that impatient. Really kind of falls into the to the season. But replacing that with mindfulness? What are we celebrating? What are we getting ready for? The focus on gratitude amid all that preparation. The Franciscan approach to community service during Advent. Takes on profound meaning as we await Jesus by seeing his face and those who are in need. It’s important to see that. I’ve learned that this service isn’t just about giving. It’s about recognizing Christ in every person we serve. What makes the Franciscan approach to service unique is its emphasis on sustained commitment. Well, volunteer opportunities surged during the holiday season. I would encourage you. To extend your service beyond December. Move to some other time of the year, particularly when volunteer numbers typically decrease after the holidays. Instead of adding yet another one to feel good at Christmas, why not? Volunteer in June. When I had volunteered during the summer during the fall. Those are the times when our help is usually really needed. This all aligns perfectly with the Franciscan understanding that when we serve those in need. We are really serving Jesus himself. I found particular inspiration in how the Franciscan tradition connects with Mary’s response to the Annunciation with service. Immediately after she found that she would be Jesus’s mother, she went to help her cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. This beautiful example reminds us that authentic spiritual preparation naturally flows into practical service to others. In in, in navigating the complexities of modern life. Have discovered that integrating Franciscan values into Advent preparation requires both creativity and commitment. The challenge lies in finding authentic ways to honor these timeless principles. While acknowledging our contemporary reality. Practical simplicity and a consumer and a consumer culture is very, very difficult. Is how it is. Commercialism intensifies. I found that embracing Franciscan simplicity offers a powerful antidote. To counter this consumerist tide, a couple of suggestions might be give meaningful experiences instead of material gifts. Practice intentional spending. Aligned with your and our spiritual values. Also, while I world becomes increasingly digital. I’ve discovered that Franciscan values can give us can guide us rather in creating meaningful connections. It’s not all bad. It can guide us in by by using our Franciscan values. It can guide us in those digital connections that we have in today’s fast-paced environment. Communities provide essential support and identity. To build authentic digital connections during Advent, we could create structured opportunities for spiritual sharing. Maybe a zoom meeting? Maybe? Maybe something on just on on the phone or something like that to create those times for spiritual sharing. We can encourage active engagement in online prayer groups. There’s a lot of them around. And maybe we can. Do some research into that and find out. Where they are. And engage actively. We can also maintain transparency in our common. Were particularly striking. What’s particularly striking, rather, is how these modern adaptations align perfectly. With traditional Franciscan values. By making conscious decisions and constant choices about consumption, practicing environmental stewardship, and fostering genuine connections. We’re we’re not just preparing for Christmas. We’re living out the Franciscan vision of live wisely. Think deeply. And love generously. So what kind of a conclusion the Franciscan approach to Advent preparation offers us a meaningful alternative to the rushed commercial season. Through the my exploration of these ancient traditions, I’ve discovered that their emphasis on simplicity, joy and connection to creation remains deeply relevant today. Saint Francis’s wisdom guides us towards spiritual preparation that transcends, transcends mere ritual, encouraging us to embrace poverty of spirit while celebrating authentic joy. Way. This balanced approach keeps us helps us to navigate modern challenges without losing sight of advanced true meaning. The practical application of Franciscan values from mindful consumption to environmental stewardship transforms our Advent journey into something both deeply personal and communally significant. These traditions remind us that meaningful preparation involves both inner reflection and outward action through service to others. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, the Franciscan path. Shows us that spiritual richness, spiritual richness often comes through simplicity and true joy emerges when we align our lives with all these timeless principles. This ancient wisdom continues to light our way through modern complexities, helping us create an Advent season filled with authentic meaning and genuine spirituality. However, you spend your Advent, I pray that it will be fruitful for you and help you appreciate even more. Emmanuel. God with us.
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Well, the music means that our time together is at an end. I would like to thank you for walking with me today. It’s been a great blessing. All of you, information about the podcast is available on the website iwillwalktogether.com. Please invite your friends to also listen. You are the best advertisement and so until we meet again, may the Lord bless you and keep thee. May the Lord let us face shine on you and be gracious with us. To you. May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you this peace.