The Annunciation, by Fra Angelico O.P.
A blessed first Sunday of Advent to you! In our tradition, this Sunday marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, a chance to step back and reflect on what has been and the year to come. In many ways, today's Gospel reading from Luke 21 seems particularly appropriate; as just one example, the "roaring of the sea and the waves" recalls recent extreme weather events in British Columbia which have affected so many of our neighbours just to the south. And yet, we are encouraged to "stand up" and "raise" our heads, because our "redemption is drawing near."
To stand up and face the hope that will be born to us at Christmas, in the Incarnation of Christ, often begins with recognizing the hope that is offered us in His coming in the events and contacts of our daily lives. It can be hard to recognize the "still, small voice" of His Presence (1 Kg 19:12) amongst the "worries of this life." This is why, as strange as it might sound, the silence of Advent can be a time to return to the asceticism of joy. Joy, an asceticism? Yes! As St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, "hope that is seen is not hope" (Rm 8:24). Rather, our hope and joy come through trust in the Lord, trust that the love He offers is more real and true than anything we could "ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). This trust is an act of faith, a prayer that we can intentionally repeat throughout the day, while choosing not to dwell inordinately on all that may seem to "spoil and ruin the vineyard" (Song 2:15).
The beginning of the new liturgical year can also be a good opportunity to reflect on the year just passed, and to search for the love, joy and hope that have been present in ways both big and small. For our community, one very practical means of reflection lately has been the preparation of our winter newsletter. With the entrance of Mariel as a postulant on the Nativity of John the Baptist, the completion of our micro-hydroelecticity project, and the celebration of the Dies Natalis of our holy father Dominic, there is certainly a lot to give thanks for. More than that, it has also been an opportunity to reflect on the friendship of so many, near and far, without whom our contemplative life would not be possible. If you are subscribed to a print edition of our newsletter, you should be receiving it in the mail over the next few weeks. In the meantime, here is the online edition in both English and French.
P.S. One additional piece of news, which occurred after the newsletter went to print, is the entrance of our newest postulant, Mica, on the feast of Christ the King. You can read more about the ceremony here.
As we look forward to the year to come, we are happy to share that our 2022 calendar is now on sale through our online gift shop! As mentioned in our last email, it features photographs taken by our sisters in the breathtaking natural beauty of our monastery's Upper Squamish Valley home. You can view and order it through our website.
Finally, we would like to let you know that out of respect for our contemplative life and the Nativity of Our Lord, our online store will be on hiatus from the beginning of the “O” Antiphons (December 17) through the Christmas Octave and Solemnity of the Mother of God (January 1). During this time, you are welcome to place orders; however, they will not be checked or shipped until January 2. If you would like to receive your order before this hiatus, we kindly ask that you place it no later than noon on December 16. Thank-you, and God bless!
As we journey together towards Bethlehem this season, let us "be alert" to those moments when silence and joy are offered more clearly, and give thanks to the Lord for them. As always, we are praying for you and those you love.
