A Reflection for the First Week of Advent

Hidden Holiness

by Marie Stephen Kebort, SSJ

Each year, as the Advent season approaches, we can pause and reflect on how we live our everyday lives and where we are on our spiritual journey. Whenever we evaluate our progress, having some sort of measuring rod as a companion is always helpful. What better one to have than St. Joseph?

Although there is a scarcity of information about Joseph in the Christian Scriptures, we believe he was much like today’s fathers, concerned with the same cares and responsibilities for their families. This carpenter/stonemason lived the ordinary life of a Jewish father with a hidden holiness about himself that made him the perfect protector of Jesus and Mary.

There is a prayer about Joseph that is very fitting for us to reflect on during this season.

St. Joseph, help me be all
God wants me to be. 
Help me to realize that God
wants me to be holy. 
By your ordinary life,
help me to discover the holiness
that lies hidden in my
 own ordinary life.

At this time of year, we are especially influenced by our culture — shopping for the perfect gifts, Christmas parties, holiday decorations, and numerous demands for our time. Because of this, we often miss the richness of the Advent season. During these next four weeks, we have a wonderful opportunity to focus on where the holiness is hidden in our own ordinary lives.

  • How do we respond to those around us?
  • Do we offer a smile, a frown, or silence?
  • How patient are we when we’re caught in a traffic jam or in the car lanes coming from the church parking lot?
  • How do we spend our leisure time?
  • Do we have an attitude of gratitude or one of entitlement?
  • How much time do we set aside daily for private personal prayer?
  • Does our hidden holiness shine forth during this season?

As Sisters of St. Joseph, we see Joseph reflected in our Maxim 73.

Have only one desire in this life
To be what God wants you to be
In nature, grace, and glory
For time and for eternity.

During this Advent season, let Joseph help you find the holiness that lies hidden in your own ordinary life and will enable you to be what God wants you to be.  

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