By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

1st reading: Micah 5:1-4;  2nd Reading Hebrew 10: 5-10; Gospel Luke 1:39-45

On Sunday we begin the final week of Advent … the final week of quieting our heart to experience Christ’s coming.

It’s the final week in a great gift of time.

This gift encourages us to let go of regrets – the “I planned to’s” and “I should haves” – and simply open our hearts to Jesus.

Praying with scripture, noticing others’ needs, practicing acts of kindness help us do so. They help us awaken to the reality that “Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts.” They help us, as Paul says, to “Wake up! Are you not aware?”

If you haven’t taken an Advent moment yet, it’s not too late. Take one now. Be still. And know.