Waiting for His coming; waiting for my coming

A Date with Ignatius - Advent Recollection

To prepare ourselves more deeply in celebrating Christmas more meaningful and with depth, the Christian Life Community of the Philippines-Formation Institute organized an Advent Recollection on December 7, 2019, at the Gana Room, Loyola School of Theology. It was facilitated by Fr. Noel Vasquez SJ, former Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus and currently the formation in charge of the apprentices and associates of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality.

The opening prayer set in darkness invited the participants to reflect on their individual darkness which needs the light of Christ to break into as the first candle of the Advent wreath was lighted. 

The participants were walked through in the history of Israel and their expectation of the coming of the Messiah and the three comings of Christ in history.  He then exhorted the participants to ask the Lord to deepen their sense of expectation and waiting for the coming, who will come in different yet familiar ways. Fr. Noel reminded the participants that Advent is not a thing in the past, but rather the breaking of God in their lives who calls them to the mission of proclaiming the coming of Christ first to themselves, then to others.

The participants were treated with silence, points to consider in their personal prayer and time alone, and in receiving Christ in the Eucharist. Each had a chance to share his insights and inspirations in their respective groups.