The Time Out Season

The ‘Time Out’ Season

Multi-tasking characterizes modern life.
So many of us find ourselves driving and talking on the cell phone, reading the paper and riding on an exercise cycle, working on the computer while eating lunch.
There just is not enough time to do all that needs to be done, so we pile up tasks.
Sometimes we do not know whether we are coming or going. We find ourselves constantly on the move.
Holiday times compound the stress and activity.
I have already started writing nearly 2,000 Christmas cards for families and friends.
I hate just sending out a card with a printed name. I guess I learned from my mom that every person counts and deserves at least a little personal note.
There are so many homilies during Christmas time. Priests, including me, struggle to say something new and meaningful that will help others appreciate the meaning of Christmas and its impact on their lives.
Holiday times seem to demand multi-tasking.
Enter Advent, a season of quiet, reflection, and waiting.
Enter Advent, a season to be alert, watchful.
Enter Advent, a season of opening the doors of our hearts to look beyond the pressing demands of life to what matters most in life.
We need this season more than ever today. In all of our busyness, we need perspective to know what is worth our time and attention.
Parents give children a “time out” when they are stressed out and acting out of control to give them some well-needed pause to collect themselves and to get back a balanced point of view.
The Advent season is a good time for us to give ourselves a “time out.”
So, how can we use this “time out” season to collect ourselves and get back a sense of balance?
• Read and reflect on the beautiful Advent readings from the Lectionary for the four Sundays of Advent. Read them slowly, reflectively, and pause and reflect on what you are reading. These readings are rich in imagery and point us to Christ.
• Make a personal call or visit to a member of your family or a friend you have not had time to connect with for some time. Give them some time and tell them how important they are to you.
• Give up some of your time to make that time available to someone in need. Use some of your financial resources to support some need.
• Take the time to do something to promote a culture of life for persons who are born and those yet to be born.
• Spend some time in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, thanking God for being born among us, ennobling our human nature and calling us to treat every human person as a daughter or son of God.
I would welcome hearing from you how you use your “time out” and what might be a part of your Advent calendar this year. You can write to me at P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85701 or bishop@diocesetucson.org.
We can learn from one another ways to prepare our hearts to receive the gifts of this season.
We can learn from one another ways to meet Christ and to open our hearts to welcome Christ in this marvelous liturgical season of Advent.
We can learn from one another how to reorder our priorities and keep our eyes fixed on what matters in life.
Enjoy your “time out.”