Advent Reflection

In the Second Week of Advent, the candle we light is the candle of Peace. Most of the readings for this week speak about peace, but it is curious to notice that the peace described in the readings is not calm and still: the Prince of Peace is busy bringing justice and rescuing the poor. John the Baptist warns that we are to be doing the same thing: we are to “make straight the way of the Lord.”

As tempting as it is to think that by getting away and being quiet, we will achieve peace— peace is more than an absence of conflict or movement or noise.

Mother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” The challenge of peace is that it can only be found in relationship, in loving one another in spite of differences and disagreements.

Peace requires courage, vulnerability and sacrifice – but when we find it, even for a moment, we know the joy of being wrapped in God’s light and love.

Sister Joan Marie Stelman, OSB, senior vice president, Mission Integration