Adult Forum
In his book, From Holidays to Holy Days, A Benedictine Walk through Advent, Robert Holtz, a brother in the Order of Saint Benedict defines contemplation as “a long loving look at the real.” He also reminds that the Order of Saint Benedict is based upon two foundational principles: 1) God is present everywhere; 2) Christ is in every person.
During the Season of Advent the Adult Forum will provide time for reflection, time for a long, loving look at the real. Each week themes from the lectionary will provide the basis for consideration of what we have seen and are seeing during this season. Sessions will include an introduction to the theme and time for participants to reflect upon what has been seen in the past week. In this contemplation we will join with Mary who when confronted with the appearance and word of the angel Gabriel responded as follows: “Mary was much perplexed by his word and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”
Sunday, November 28:
Times of Tumult: God is present everywhere. “For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
Sunday, December 5:
A very strange man: Christ is in every person. “Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. John proclaimed, ‘The Coming One will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire’.”
Sunday, December 12:
Saying Yes to God. “The angel appeared in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit’. When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.”
Sunday, December 19:
Visit from Saint Nicholas of Myra: Community Breakfast.