My up-and-down recovery journey has led me back to our beautiful Blessed Mother, who guides me to her precious son, Jesus (just as Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son John leads the Jews to Him). But we must allow ourselves to be led by maintaining regular prayer as we wait patiently for God’s promises to come to fulfillment in our lives. We must regularly examine our conscience so as to be prepared to receive God as we wait for Him. We are reminded of this in Step 10: “When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kept something to ourselves which should be discussed with another person at once? Were we kind and loving toward all? What could we have done better? Were we thinking of what we could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life? But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to others. After making our review we ask God’s forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken” (Alcoholics Anonymous).
If we make a habit of examining our conscience every day, we shall be safe from a distorted vision and see clearly the errors that can draw our hearts away from God. In other words, we can “nip our character defects in the bud” and prevent bad behaviors at an early stage before they lead to dire consequences. Advent allows us the opportunity for repentance and to learn to wait well for God. Therefore, let us “wait well” by offering our individual gifts to our newborn King through service of others, receiving Holy Communion, and regular prayer.
Reflection Questions
- How are you waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled in your own life? How can you wait with greater patience and trust in Jesus?
- Are you in the habit of doing a daily examination of conscience? If not, consider adopting this practice.
Daily Mass Reflections
First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25
Reflection by Marcia G.