Advent and Living the Incarnation

 Advent is a time of anticipation, as we look forward to the Incarnation of God as one of us. We’re also reminded that Christ has come into the world already, and that we have been trying to make His kingdom come by bringing Him to others. In this way, the season of Advent is a call to renewed awareness.

As Franciscans, my community is called to bring Christ into the world. In our Rule, St. Francis extolls: “We are mothers when we bear Him in our hearts and bodies… and we give birth to him…” I’ve learned a great deal about how to do this from our sick and elderly sisters.

You see, I live in a convent with them, part of a small group of younger sisters residing with sisters who receive varying degrees of medical services. These sisters had active ministries in the past, evangelizing as teachers, pastoral associates, or nurses, actively engaged in the communities their convents were in. They face limitations in their health and mobility, but that doesn’t stop them from being Christ’s hands and feet in this place, at this time, or from recognizing where He is present in their lives.

They share their wisdom with us, eager to tell us about their experiences. As a younger member of community, there is so much I can learn from them, and I know Christ is coming in my life through their words and examples.

These sisters receive the care they need with humility. They respond to the kindness of the nursing staff, the assistance of maintenance and housekeeping, and the attention of their sisters in community with open hearts. They receive God’s love in this way.

They also engage joyfully in relationships, enjoying visits from other sisters and guests. Sometimes I am so busy with my ministry and other concerns that such interactions aren’t fully welcome, but these sisters value their connections to others. They see Christ present in others and respond wholeheartedly.

I also see this in how they are there for each other. Those who are especially ill or needy receive attention and care from their sisters. In this way, they take turns being Christ for one another.

Advent inspires reflection on where Christ is present in our lives. It challenges us to bring Him where He is needed. These sisters show me how to do both.