An Advent reflection
As we begin this Advent season let's stop and reflect for a little. We are often moving too fast, too quickly, and never taking time to look around. Advent is a time of looking forward to the coming of Christ and a time of patience the complete opposite of what our world tells us to do.
Throughout this course we have talked about all the things that make our lives. Our love, or friendships, our sexuality, and even ourselves.
For this entry, in a 4-5 paragraph reflection, pause and reflect about all the things in your lives.
Throughout this course we have talked about all the things that make our lives. Our love, or friendships, our sexuality, and even ourselves.
For this entry, in a 4-5 paragraph reflection, pause and reflect about all the things in your lives.
- Contemplate how you would change things. Would you make drastic changes or simple changes? Why?
- What would you not change? Why?
- What can you do differently in your lives to help make more apparent the love of Christ in the world?
- What makes us willing to open our hearts during the “giving” season? What is the gift of life that we can give humanity?
Love you and see you soon!
Mr. R :o)
posted by Theology IV at 7:41 PM
8 Comments:
For me, I really think I need to make drastic changes and I know deeply that I should put more thought into doing the right things more often. I think I need to put a little more effort into looking at what life is truly about instead of always taking if for granted. Meaning, actually live life to the fullest...in a PRODUCTIVE way! I really need to stop and think that our Lord is coming whether we believe it or not! He came once, He promised a 2nd coming...we can count on that! I'm mostly afraid that I may not be ready for that coming. What if I did something so totally wrong and did nothing about it to ask for forgiveness?! It's things like these I really need to put into perspectives.
Now, what would I not change? I think that would be the fact that I truly have a good heart. I know I have good intentions and the Lord knows that as well. I most definitely would NOT change who I am. I hate thinking that I might turn into something I'm not. I think I would actually hate my own self if that would ever happen for any reason! And most especially, I would NEVER ever change my strong beliefs in Jesus Christ because I believe that the great things that have happened in my life were all graces from Him!!!
What can I do differently? I think I can put away my pride and start "dying" to a brother. (sorry if you dont understand what this phrase means but ask me if you dont) I can sit and take a deep breath and really truly focus what our Savior has done for ALL of us just to save all of mankind...even the unworthy ones! It's sort of stupid how a lot of us complain about the littlest things and yet we can never say that we know what true suffering is as apose to what Jesus went through for us! I just wish that for once, we can all, just for this season, put away all our worldly worries and needs and just think about giving the greatest yet simplest gift there is...."LOVE"!!!
To me, the reason that we are "giving" around this time is because this is a time for all the presents and party's and all that good stuff that we really dont look at what we do it for! We get so filled with the fact that people actually think about you that they give you gifts! It's not about that and I honestly think this season has lost its TRUE purpose...which is sad!!!
Finally, the only thing I can think of that we can give humanity is our love...our unconditional love! But our world today is so filled hate and distruction that people are not willing to accept it and look at love in the eye and adore it like we're suppose to....we can only pray!!!
Mr. Reyes,
I've been thinking about if the world actually has "peace" and I dont think that's meant to happen!! My reason for this thought is because, for me, I think that if there were really "world peace", that would mean that all suffering would end, no more hungry people, no more poor, no imprisonment, no trace of violence, no hurt, anger or just ANYTHING BAD, right?! Well, isnt that what were here for? To ask for help from God? To tend to all these bad things and visit the prisoners or feed the hungry and clothe the naked?...get my point? ok, My point is that if there were none of this, we really wouldn't have to turn to God for anything because there wouldn't be anything to ask for if there were REALLY "world peace"!!! Forgive me for questioning these things but the mind can't help but wonder!!! Thanx =D
I like my life as it is. Although there are many things that I would like to change about it, I would not change my life drastically. Moving to a new place is a drastic change, falling in love is a drastic change, and trying to succeed is a change. In a way they are all changes from a simple life into a somewhat complex adult life. I would change things for the betterment of my life. Changes like these move me closer to my life-long goal of a having a content life.
To make the love of christ more apparent in the world, you must do kinda acts and influence people in their lives. I think that christ's love is all around us through our actions of kindness. Christ is in everyone and when we allow him to come forth and let our hands be his hands and our spoken words be his words, the love of christ shall be known.
We open our hearts in this season because it is the only time that people actually come together to do the giving. It is known worldwide as the season of giving. Christmas has been around for so long and giving on this season almost seems second nature that we forget what is really making us give these things. I guess it is the influence of the holy spirit on people to make them feel generous and loving to all people.
The gift of life to people is that in this occasion time seems more precious and that every moment spent should be remembered. The gift to humanity is that this is the only time that people gather together and settle their differences to enjoy a life given to them. This is the time when Humanity actually sees life as being the most important thing.
I dont really know what i would change. i think i'd like to make the things i did wrong right. I know that sometimes i make wrong decisions but it's those decisions that make me stronger. So im not sure if i'd really make durastic changes because it would change durasticlly who i am or who i;ve become.
I wouldnt change my family or the people i've met even if they are bad or have done bad things to me. The people that have done bad things allowed me to grow from their mistakes. ANd i would've rather all the bad be done to me than someone else cause i know that i am capable of overcoming it.
I think i can make christ love show more by just being more generous and kind. We all need to realize that Christ loved us enough to die for us and we should be able to at least spread his teachings and live everyday the right way.
I think we are more giving during this season because i guess its just in the air. Everyones happy and they feel good. Its a season of joy and gatherings. Everyone just wants to spread the goodness and laughter to anyone. just about a week ago a homeless lady came up to me and asked me for a dollar and i said i dont have even though i did. i felt like crap. Although, i realized that i wasnt being selfish my fear of her just got the best of me. So i went looking for her and gave her the dollar. It felt so good to give and have her appreicate a simple dollar. I think we all need to realize the simplicity of a dollar and how much it can mean to one person.
I believe I have lived a life not so full of regret. There are things I probably would change though. How I have treated people in the past, not doing my homework or not turning it in on time, and I probably would like to change how I view other people, in other words not judging a book by its cover. I believe the changes I would make would be generally simple nothing too drastic. This is because it is only the little things I would like to change. The more drastic events in my life is what make me who I am and I am happy with who I am as a person.
As I look back on my life I realize that there are more and more things I would like to change, but at the same time there are more and more things I would actually like to keep the same. If you actually had the chance to go back and change things I would suggest that you don't change much, because it is those things that make you who you are. If you want to go back and change everything you've done, you become a completly different person. Be thankful for what God has given you. Although we may face hardships in our lives it is those difficulties that push us and make us want to become a better person.
John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that those who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life." As catholics we must look at this bible verse and understand just how much God loves us. He gave his only son who was crucified and died just so that we may be saved. For me I believe this is the greatest sacrifice. There are many things we can do in our lives to make more apparent the love of Christ in the world. The question is will we be willing to do it. As catholics we are asked to go to mass once a week for just one hour and even at that there are some who fail to do so. Such a simple task and yet we lack commitment to do it. My suggestion would be to take a look at your life and if you see that you are neglecting God make it a point to change that.
Revelation 14:13 says; Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes", says the spirit "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
Jesus opened his heart to everyone that would listen. He was always giving and never thought that any of us were undeserving of his love. During this season of giving we must look back on our lives and be thankful for everything God has given us,for there are those who are less fortunate. For this reason alone we must always be giving even if we don't have anything, we will always our love to give.
I think that i would make simple changes.. i feel that ive changed alot for the better recently and im proud of it. I mean we all means for improvement, but.. i would make simple changes in my life as of now.
I would not change those closest to me right now. I feel that some people that i have lost along the way are for the better in some sense..its hard to explain but we're all different now. nvm its hard to explain. But i wouldnt change who i am now for anything. I love who ive become..i feel happier than i ever was before.
To make Christ more physical in my life i could help out more often and change myself in that aspect. You can never give too much..(to help those who need it).
During the 'giving season' people feel more happy with themselves, because of the coming of Christ and all the spirit in the air. This makes people have higher hopes and arent so stern when it comes to emotions and that sort of thing making it easier for people to open up to others.
The gift of life that we give to humanity is of course LOVE. Without it the world would not be the way it is. No one would have compassion and sympahty for others. It would be a life not worth living;without love.
> I think I would make simple changes. I like how I am. I am a very simple girl. I know I don't always go by the rules but I do always ask for forgiveness. I like my life how it is... There really isn't a whole lot to it. I live my life how I want to, I try not to let people run my life.
> If there was something that I wouldn't change, it would probably have to be the way I live my life. I may not like or get along with people, and I may not have always said the right things, but I don't regret a darn thing. I like that. I can do what I can to live my life the way I want to with no regrets.
I guess I would have to be smarter in the ways I aproach things. I hit them head on and whatever comes out of my mouth comes out, no stopping it. I think of God all the time, I just don't spread His word or go to His church every Sunday. I do what I can with what knowledge and will that I have.
I think that we have the want of giving during this season because of the cheerful season. Everyone knows this season as the season that Christ was born. I guess that they figure to be nice during this season, they would be on God's good side. I give this season because that is what this season is all about. We are giving to others which in a way we are giving other's God and we re givig God to others.
I am so not sure if this is even close to being right.
I don't think i would make any drastic changes, but i would make changes for sure. First i would change the way i handle my grades. I would change the way i am such a procrastinator. I need to stop putting things off to the last minute, but for me sometimes its easier to work under pressure..even though i don't put my 100% into it.
I guess yea, i would make simple changes. my laziness and my attitude towards my parents are the two changes i NEED to make. i would change these things because i think it would make me a better person and help me to be more "productive."
i would not change my friends. because they're the best friends out there. always helping me even though i can be a pain sometimes.
i would go to church more. i would also focus more on others and less on myself. thats how i would show the love of christ to the world.I think we are willing to give during the "giving" season because everyone else around us is giving back to us. we are all exchanging gifts and being around family that maybe we have not been around in a while, and we are only now around them because it is the holidays. the holidays are supposed to be the best time of the year. it is supposed to be a time when everyone can relax and enjoy their family's company. its full of christmas spirit and everyone is just in a giving mood. we can give humanity our respect and friendship. without these two elements out world would be more corrupt than it is already...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS MR. REYES!
-rachel
I would change things in my life. some changes drastic and some simple. i would make my home life better. i would like to change the way i look at life. not be so pesimistic as i am, but try and be more optimistic as my boyfriend suggests. i would try to be more patient with my life. try not to be so tense or frustrated or annoyed. i'll try to listen more instead of speaking because only by listening will i be able to understand the things i can change. i would make these changes because i feel that my life can be better than it is now. For isn't this the reason why anyone would change the way they live? everyone needs some change in their life. whether it be drastic or simple. i wouldn't make these changes ONLY for myself either. i would change because i want those around me to be happier. for a positive me can result with a positive reaction by a loved one.
I wouldn't change the people i surround myself with because they are the ones that keep me going. i wouldn't change my plans for the future because that is what i strive for. it keeps my mind off the current situation of mayham in my life. it reminds me that i have something to look forward to. i wouldn't change my heart. my heart is big and full of love. i thank god that he has blessed me with an abundance of love to share. these are the things i would not change.
I can do several things in my life to make the love of christ more apparant in this wourld. i can go to church more. going to church helps me and allows me to celebrate in the joys of what christ has bestowed upon us. in celebrating it, i make Gods love more apparent in the world. by living a good christian life, i would also be able to show Gods love in the world. Jesus has set an example that we should all follow. if we do so, then his love becomes more apparent. lastly, i think that by just be ing myself, i make Gods love more apparent in the world. he made me because he loved me. so i should show that love by caring for myself and those he made.
i think that the season itself makes us willing to open our hearts. the season of giving is the world wide season that you do not think of yourself, but actually think of others. the inner love, joy, and compassion that we all have also makes us want to open our hearts and give during this season. the gift of life that we can give humanity is patience. if only we are more patient with the world, can it be a better place to live in.
-Natasha Santos
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