By Fr. Conrad Targonski, OFM

“It seems the final weeks of Ordinary Time deal with inevitability and awesomeness of the Lord’s coming; Advent’s wonder, mystery and surprise prepares us for its immanency.”

I wrote this while on deployment with Marines on Hokkaido, Japan. For some reason, my time in Japan was a time for intense “mindfulness,” paying attention to the ear of one’s heart or what the military calls “paying attention to detail.” It makes sense to become aware in order to be ready.

Throughout this season which began on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we’ll hear of those who prepared well. The Women Martyrs of El Salvador, Francis Xavier, Barbara, Nicholas, Ambrose, Juan Diego, Thomas Merton, Lucy, Juan de la Cruz – to mention a few who waited with servant leadership hearts.

A Christmas card of long ago says it this way: “because of you I wait with more excitement for the ONE whose coming is certain.” The waiting continues.