When I first started to experience certain behaviours, which were so subtle, I didn’t realize how hurtful they were. I once explained to a trusted friend that it was like someone poked me with a pin everyday, till I realized how uncomfortably painful it was. So I started to keep a journal. I would read and reflect on the daily readings, then write down verses that helped me cope. At the end of a year, I read my journal and noticed that one verse would be pleading for help, another would be an answer. So I decided to arrange these verses into a booklet which I used daily as part my prayer life. I titled the booklet Words to Comfort and Heal: Message of Hope. That was more than15 years ago. I still use the booklet because it is so easy to build barriers to keep from getting hurt. I too have separated myself from those especially who should have nourished my faith.

Advent is supposed to help us to begin again. This Sunday/week of Advent symbolizes Hope. Every Advent we hope for Jesus’ return. But in the meanwhile, we do what we can to bring the barriers down. Jesus said that we should not let our hearts be burdened with the anxieties of daily life. Strange that he would couple the anxieties of life with carousing and drunkeness! But as a friend said to me, daily anxieties of life often cause us to make bad decisions. Something to think about.

Keep the faith Marie, I will, if you will. God bless.