Advent Reflection #1

Bible passage

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

Romans 8:22-26

Reflection

If one of our friends told us that she was praying to God to make her ill, we might think she was joking. If she wasn’t joking, we might think she needed counselling.

In the 14th century, in Norwich, a young woman prayed for a physical illness that would take her to the point of death, and her prayer was granted a few years later.

Religious people have always done things that seem strange and extreme, but what is interesting about this young woman was her reason for wanting to be ill. It wasn’t because she hated herself. It wasn’t because she wanted to die. She wanted to be ill because she wanted to understand more about love.

Most of us find illness frightening and we avoid it as much as we can. Hospitals are terrifying places for a lot of people, and we rightly admire those who work in them. But physical or mental illness is a fact of life for many, many people.

Prayer

Almighty God, give us wisdom to perceive Thee,
intellect to understand Thee, diligence to seek Thee,
patience to wait for Thee, vision to behold Thee,
a heart to meditate upon Thee, and life to proclaim Thee.

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