"winter is past"?
"For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth." —Song of Songs 2:11-12
On the first day of winter in the Northern hemisphere, the Church always reads to us the only passage in the Bible which speaks of the winter being past. This is not due to the Church thinking of the Southern hemisphere; it is because she is thinking on a supernatural level (not just a natural one). Naturally, it may be cold and the darkest day of the year. Supernaturally, however, our hearts can be burning (Lk 24:32), on fire with love for God (Rv 3:16) as the light of Advent shines ever more brightly (see Is 60:1).
By the power of the Holy Spirit within you, are you living in the supernatural? Are you in the fullness of reality, or are you missing out on most of life? Has Advent opened your eyes or has the glitter of a commercialized Christmas blinded you?
On these last few days of Advent, Jesus asks us the question: "If you do not believe when I tell you about earthly things, how are you to believe when I tell you about those of heaven?" (Jn 3:12) In these last few precious moments of Advent, the Lord is giving us the grace to set our hearts "on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand" (Col 3:1). "Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth" (Col 3:2). Live in the supernatural. Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer: Father, may the life I live no longer be my own but a life of faith in Your Son, Jesus (Gal 2:20).
Promise: "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." —Lk 1:41
Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013
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