December 8, 2014
Dear Friends and Family of the Diocese of Eau Claire,
Advent and Lent are penitential seasons. They both call for introspection and prayer. Each season progresses but in opposite directions. Lent descends downward. It is a time in when I ponder what the world would be like without God. The natural conclusion of the descent is Good Friday and the Cross. Then God takes charge, and Easter breaks forth as a wonderful surprise!
Advent starts it darkness. Then, as the Advent wreath symbolizes, light increases Sunday by Sunday. Instead of a downward spiral, Advent moves forward into light, hope, and joy. Our job is to be watchful and prepare ourselves for events that will move quickly. I find this season exciting and laden with potential becoming reality. The season closes with a double reason for joy. First we move to the certain joy of revisiting Christmas and the first coming of Christ, but we also can anticipate the prospect of the second coming. This may happen on this side of death when Jesus comes to us or on the other side of death when we go to him. In either case in time we will see Jesus!
This season of hope also causes me to pray and reflect upon our Diocese of Eau Claire. We have much reason for anticipation. We are growing and there is excitement among us. What does God have in store for us? I don’t have the answers, but I know he wants us to travel with him. Where the destination is remains unknown, but for now let’s just enjoy the ride! With my love and best wishes, I am,
Your brother in Christ,
Jay