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Reflection on the First Sunday of Advent

Posted on November 30, 2025, by Mary Swain SL

Isaiah 2, Romans 13, Matthew 24

When I read this Sunday’s Gospel earlier in the week, I thought that, in some metaphorical way, it speaks to the current situation in the United States and what the future could look like. “The flood came and carried them off.”  A metaphor for what might happen in the U.S. in the next year or so. Drowned in MAGA.

Let’s not go there.

I looked at the Isaiah reading we heard today.  Isaiah gives a prayer for the future. Climb the high mountain. Then God will instruct us so we can walk in God’s ways. Let all peoples beat their swords into plowshares. Let one nation not raise a sword against another. Let Russia and France not go to war.

Paul tells us this morning to throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. I am not sure about the word “armor,” but perhaps a metaphor for something strong. We throw off darkness and put on light in various ways: gathering for prayer and Eucharist as we are doing today; celebrating Pat Frueh’s life last Sunday and Monday with so many of her family with us; Eileen Custy recovering from surgery with such good spirit;  gathering in the Link meeting a month ago that brought many of us together here at Loretto, with some on Zoom. We were throwing off darkness, bringing in light.

Now Advent is here. December begins tomorrow. We move ahead, praying as we can, trusting that God will instruct us to walk in God’s ways. We will do the various things we can do to bring hope to this world of ours.

Mary Swain SL

Mary Swain SL has been a consultant to the National Religious Retirement Office and has served on the board for the National Association for Treasurers of Religious Institutes. Along with her math background and service to the Loretto Community in the financial area, she has experience as a church organist and plans and prepares materials for Loretto liturgies at Loretto Motherhouse and for special occasions. Mary resides at Loretto Motherhouse, the grounds of which receive her careful tending and loving touch.