Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Readings of the Day

Advent greetings! We are almost halfway through this Season of Hope and Expectation and today’s readings are full of rich reminders of gifts from God. For me, they also draw parallels between my relationship with God and life’s journeys.

We are all on a journey – sometimes multiple ones at the same time because of our personal lives and professional lives. Each journey could be alone, or with family, someone we work alongside or those we serve. I find most of my journeys are fast-paced, take lots of turns, and I feel like I need to be in control. The highlights of today’s readings remind me that I am not in control, God is. 

Many years ago a beloved colleague shared with me an image of God controlling the steering wheel  - it gave new meaning to the saying “let go and let God!” So when I am struggling and frustrated because things are not going the way I’m expecting, I pause and can hear Sister Evelyn in her Irish brogue remind me to “Give it to God.”

After all, He gives us strength allowing us to soar. He is merciful, slow to anger and full of kindness, and we can always learn from His ways.

But there is more! It is God's greatest gift which we are reminded of in John 15 (the gospel reading from today’s memorial): This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

We have His LOVE no matter what; it is there for us, and we are called to love one another the way He loves. As we journey through the remainder of Advent and the remainder of life let us draw on that love, and we will find hope and peace for ourselves and those we serve.

Tamara Bohannon serves as VP of Philanthropy for Catholic Charities Community Services in the Diocese of Phoenix where she leads a team that secures resources to support staff to reach and save lives. She is married to the very loving Jim Bohannon and they have raised three amazing children, now in their 20s. All belong to St. Francis Xavier Parish where Tamara serves on the Pastoral Council and is involved in social justice and spirituality ministries. 

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