NOTE: Throughout the Advent season, we’ll post a reflection on the readings for the upcoming Sunday and for feast days just a few days before so individuals and groups can reflect in anticipation or incorporate it into their meetings, homilies, etc. The reflection will be available on our homepage through the weekend and then archived on our Advent 2025 webpage.
The reflection below is written by Leslye Colvin from the 2024 Advent reflection booklet. This year’s booklet is still available for purchase at this link as an immediate download for your tablet or e-reader for $2.50.
by Leslye Colvin
Genesis 3:9-15, 20 | Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 | Luke 1:26-38
The Garden of Eden may be seen as the inaugural invitation for humanity to be in right relationship with the Triune Most High Mystery. Scripture reveals the continuation of this invitation throughout salvation history, and in the lives of our spiritual ancestors. This living invitation is as constant as the air we breathe. It is as constant as daybreak and nightfall.
It is from our response to this invitation that we may gain access to the mind of Christ, the wisdom of God. As it was for our ancestors, we too are to discern how to recognize and respond, or not, to the invitation as it unfolds through our lived experiences. We do this by developing and nurturing our relationship with the Living God so we may see the light of God’s wisdom as we sojourn, and recognize God’s messenger among us.
Accepting the invitation liberates us to set aside our expectations so that we seek the newness God reveals for us, not rediscovering the Garden of Eden. This newness may result in our experience, knowledge and understanding of God changing or evolving.
For reflection:
What do you know about the meaning of the Immaculate Conception?
*This reflection originally appeared in Pax Christi USA’s Advent reflection booklet, Seeking Wisdom’s Light: Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2024.