Voice in the Wilderness

 

Once Advent comes, our annual Christmas mailing rolls into action! One of our Sisters has been doing trojan work for the past couple of weeks packing envelopes, and distributing them around to other Sisters in the Community who like to add a final personal word to the recipients. There are many people who hear from us by mail only once a year, and we like to bring them a message of hope and peace during this special season.

Our world often seems like a “wilderness” as regards God’s presence. One has only to switch on any news bulletin to hear reports of wars, sickness, violence and natural disasters. It can sap the energy and lower the spirits of even a most positive person. Avoiding the public news is not the solution, however, as even in our personal lives and those close to us we see struggle and suffering. What is the answer to this?

Advent gives us a hint with its focus on St John the Baptist, and he is the one we try to imitate in these weeks before Christmas. John was a “voice in the wilderness”. He was the one who “prepared the way” for the coming of Jesus, the Saviour. John heard the message of God and passed it on – he allowed his voice to be heard, even in the wilderness of his region, and people came to listen to him. These people were those who were open to his message of hope for the future.

In our lives as Carmelites, we try to be “little prophets” in the wilderness of today’s world. So, in our Christmas letters and cards to our friends, we try to be a “voice in the wilderness” of our crazy world, a voice that brings hope to people. We try to convey a message that helps people to look for the coming of Jesus as the only One who can bring peace and healing and comfort to the stricken people in our world today.  

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace,
peace for his people and his friends
and those who turn to him in their hearts.
His help is near for those who fear him
and his glory will dwell in our land.

(Psalm 84/85)