Stop grumbling and enjoy God's graces

December 2, 2007 -- First Sunday of Advent

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. Are you alert to the action of grace in your daily life? Give examples. 2. Why is grumbling an anti-Advent disposition? 3. At what age did you begin to appreciate God's interventions in your daily life?

J. B. Priestly (1894-1984) was an English novelist, playwright, and essayist. He was also a self-proclaimed grumbler. He records in "Delight: Taking pleasure in the small things in life" (Delray Beach, FL: Levenger Press, 2007) how he became a malcontent and yet, despite this ingrained temperament, he did find delight and joy in the small things in life. Here is a fine Christmas gift for anyone who you know is a grumbler.

A d v e n t Time of Preparation

In a sense, Priestly's book is an Advent work since we have here an author who is aware of that grace of joy that is characteristic of the Holy Spirit. God's grace is ever breaking into our lives in small and large pleasures. Our challenge is to be attentive and responsive to the presence and actions of God that fill our days.

In his essay "Coming of the Idea," Priestly writes: "At one moment the mind knows it not. The next moment it is there, taking full possession of the mind, which quivers in ecstatic surrender" (66). Did the prophet Isaiah experience the coming of an idea (indeed, a vision) when he talks about the mountain of the Lord and on how nations would one day come there to be instructed in the Lord's ways? Apparently, Isaiah surrendered to this idea and shared his vision with the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Yes, that idea continues to be shared with us, Advent after Advent. Our prayer is that this reality of God's presence and love may take full possession of our hearts and minds.

As a youngster, Priestly admits, with regret, of failing to bring joy to his parents for what they did for him. He writes: "Time after time, I realize now, I must have brought them bewilderment, dismay, and aching disappointment, by failing to respond adequately to some treat they planned for me" (89). In writing to the Romans, St. Paul urges them to wake up and put on the armor of light. It is as if the Romans (and us?) consistently fail to respond to the nearness and love of God. Our salvation is at hand and there is urgency that we recognize the call to holiness. If practices such as orgies, drunkenness, promiscuity, lust, rivalry and jealousy are present in our communities, there will surely be bewilderment, dismay, and deep regret. Staying awake and being responsive are all important.

The Gospel reminds us of the importance of timing. Matthew tells us that the Son of Man will come at a time we least expect. In other words, be alert, on guard, awake, attentive because truth, goodness, and beauty are all around us. J. B. Priestly was traveling in Amsterdam at the age of 19 and went to see the paintings of the Rembrandts. He writes: "But nothing really happened inside me. I was at least twenty years too early" (111). A lad of 19 is sometimes too immature to comprehend artistic or literary genius. Sometimes on our spiritual journey, we are too young or too immature or too inattentive to register the comings of the Lord. Too much eating and drinking deaden the senses and the spirit causing us to miss the invasions of grace.

During this season of Advent we are invited to take delight and joy in God's abiding presence. Let us put all grumbling aside, stop complaining, and relish the large and small graces that surround us.

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)