AdventWord – “Grace”
In an Education for Ministry class years ago, a story was shared that deeply resonated with me. It was about a man nearing the end of his life due to illness and sad about his inability to leave his children a substantial inheritance.
The mentor guiding our class told us that he comforted the man by sharing how he was showing his children how to face certain death with grace.
Advent, often associated with Mary’s journey towards the birth of Jesus, also invites reflection on grace in the context of life’s end. I have been privileged to know individuals in their final days who exhibited an extraordinary depth of peace and clarity.
This profound acceptance, a serene embrace of life’s final transition, is grace in its purest form.
Such assurance mirrors the transformative grace experienced by Paul on the road to Damascus and by Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose faith remained unshaken even as he faced a brutal death.
We don’t stone people to death in modern times, but the example of grace at life’s end is a universal theme, witnessed daily in homes and hospitals worldwide. Recognizing and honoring this grace helps us process our grief and loss.”
Consider Jacob, Isaac’s son. While still young and as his father was dying, Jacob, with his mother’s help, lied and stole his brother’s birthright, an act far removed from grace.
As he faced his own mortality years later and after reconciling with his brother Esau, Jacob’s actions showed a transformed person. His blessings to his sons were profound acts of grace, imparting wisdom and ensuring the continuity of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. Jacob’s change highlights the potential for grace to emerge, even in lives marked by earlier failings.
Advent, a season of preparation and anticipation, offers us a space to contemplate this peaceful grace. It’s a time we can reflect on how grace can guide us through life’s transitions, from its beginning to its end.
As we journey through Advent, let us be open to the lessons of grace that life, in all its phases, has to offer.
Heavenly Father, Giver of Grace and Compassion,
As we await the birth of our Lord Jesus this Advent season, we are reminded of the journey from birth to life’s end, and the countless moments of grace that illuminate our path.
Lord, we remember those who face life’s end with courage and peace. Teach us to see in their acceptance a reflection of Your grace, a testament to the strength and serenity that comes from faith. Help us to learn from their example, to embrace each day with gratitude and to approach our own transitions with the same grace and dignity.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Hope and Redeemer, we pray.
Amen.
Image: ChatGPT 4 prompted by George Bounacos
#adventword #forwardmovement #stannesreston #grace
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During this Advent Season, I am participating in the Advent Word ministry by sharing an image, writing, or other creative expression around a different word each day. I hope that you’ll also join this effort to create a global Advent calendar on some or all of the days. Learn more about it here: https://adventword.org/