Scripture reading
And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1: 9-11
Reflection
Advent is a time of waiting and discerning. Paul in his letter to the Philippians calls us to be pure and blameless…seems like an impossible task in our chaotic and conflict-ridden world. In an age of competing values and competing claims on the truth, the internet provides access to more and more knowledge and every kind of perception. Is it helping our love to increase ever more and more? Oh, for the simple purity of following a single star as did the Magi. Advent in our time calls for more and more discernment. We can be encouraged by the hope “that the one who began a good work in us will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” We pray for the grace to complete our good work.
Practice
Take ten minutes each day to quietly reflect and discern what is of value in your life and how you are being called to live out that value.
Sister Joan, O.P. came to Albertus in 2016 to serve as the interim Assistant to the President for Dominican Mission. She currently serves as the Director of Dominican Ministries. Sr. Joan received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago and her doctoral degree in Pastoral Counseling from Northwestern University. She was on the faculty of Loyola University and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She served as prioress of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine, Kentucky and most recently on the leadership team of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Sister Joan’s primary focus at Albertus Magnus is to promote the four pillars of prayer, study, community and service among the undergraduate students.