Approaching Advent
The darkness is messy too.
As I age and my eyesight changes, I am developing a different relationship with darkness and light. I groan when its too sunny now (I am strange, I know) and I muse about how I once assumed those with declining vision were probably dealing with darkness. For me, though, darkness contains multitudes: rest, liberation, depth, mystery. Even below my eyelids, spiritual exploration and encounters are possible in the dark; my imagination and dreams remain forever vibrant and bright.
I savor the darkness, actually. I love it. And yet, I fumble through it, make messes, feel the struggle, and anticipate the coming of the light.
As we approach the season of Advent, we are feeling the shifts of light and dark. We are living with active anticipation, as people of hope and joy. We are people of journey and arrival: this is the energy of being Christian, of sharing welcome, making room, being pilgrims.
The energy of anticipation activates my imagination. I love planning parties, perhaps more than the party itself. I love making things (such as good meals) and dreaming about how people will enjoy what I offer and share. This, my friends, is Advent energy, so I am excited to enter into a time of waiting in the dark for the coming of The Light (beloved Christ) with you.
The dark is messy, yes, but the darkness is active with anticipation. Come Lord, Baby Jesus, we are waiting for you!
Sister Julia Suggests
As is my custom this time of year, I recommend praying in the dark with one candle glowing. Somehow, there’s richness there.
Ask for help when you need it. I am learning this skill more and more, and I am realizing that folks don’t mind opportunitites to be generous!
Speaking of generousity, I am trying to figure out ways to make homemade gifts for Christmas this year. Maybe I’ll use upcycled and reused items as a way to divert more junk from landfills. There’s a lot of good ideas here about that.
Or maybe I won’t give gifts. And, if folks have thoughts about me not giving Christmas gifts, I could shrug my shoulders and say “well, Christmas is canceled this year.” Not because I am a grump but because I am wanting to be solidarity with people who are suffering in Palestine. (By the way, check out what I learned about “canceling Christmas” and solidarity in Emily Cortina’s latest reflection on Messy Jesus Business, which is a totally worthwhile read—along with much more content on the site.)
I highly recommend Tessa Bielecki’s article “Twelve Ways to Cultivate Inclusivity” found here.
Learn what the Catholic Church ACTUALLY teachese about LGBTQ issues, not what the media and haters have to say. HERE is a good resource to get some facts.
The new book from Amber C. Haines and Seth Haines, The Deep Down Things: Practices for Growing Hope in Times of Despair.
This gem of a resource for meditation and reflection during Advent.
Read and pray with Pope Francis’ very important Apostolic Exhortation: Laudate Deum.
The highly important COP28 started today and you can dive into these COP28 prayer and action resources from Catholic Climate Covenant, and along those same lines, let’s all think about what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint and regenerate the health of our shared home, Earth.
Recent Publications
I wrote a “Pause & Pray” reflection or two for Franciscan Media.
Some of my “Pause & Pray” reflections were put into a book! It is now for sale.
I remain honored to be regular contributor to Living Faith Catholic Devotional as well.
And I still write for Messy Jesus Business every now and then, such as this piece: “Adult Friendship and Gospel Living.”
It remains an incredible joy to host Messy Jesus Business podcast and I am quite proud of the episodes in the latest season. It was especially fun to interview Fr. Greg Boyle!
I have an article in the latest Horizons Vocation Journal about the vow of celibacy called “My body freely given to God.”
I also wrote about one of my passions (intentional community) for Living City, the Focolare magazine where I am honored to be a contributor.
And this is not offically published yet, but my forthcoming memoir For Love of the Broken Body is for sale right now. WOW.
Recent Appearences
“Spirituality of Messiness with Sr. Julia Walsh FSPA” at CatholicMom Podcast.
Upcoming public events
Ok, here's something! Life is a wonder and I am highly amused to be part of this phenomenal line-up of brilliant souls to bring you a FREE Advent offering called The Contemplative Summit, Dec 7-10. I am not so sure about the title of "leading wisdom teacher" for myself... yet I am certainly excited to be part of this and contemplate the Holy Mystery with all of you! You can sign up here and join us for 4 days of contemplation, embodied practices, prayer, reflection & insight.
Also, I already have a some public events scheduled for 2024.
February 21: Riverside, IL
February 26-28: Milwaukee, WI
April 11: La Crosse, WI
April 19: Chicago, IL
April 27: Pittsburgh, PA
May 31-June 2: La Crosse, WI
June 29: Elgin, IA
Details will be posted in January over at my new author site: https://srjuliawalsh.wordpress.com.
And, I’ll send out another newsletter in the coming months too.
Now matter where you are, I hope to see you!!
That’s what I am talking about: anticipation!
Last Words
“You also must be prepared.” -Matthew 24:44