Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of going on a 5-day silent retreat.  I really tried to make it a time of prayer, reading, writing, and of course a little walking too.  One of the books I was praying with was The Big Book used by AA.  Chapter 5 discusses how the 12 Steps work.  After running through the 12 Steps, it reads… “Many of us exclaimed, “What an order!  I can’t go through with it.” Do not be discouraged.  No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles.  We are not saints.  The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.  The principles we have set down are guides to progress.  We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”

I think that last line is what Advent, as well as our whole spiritual journey, is all about.  The definition of progress is forward movement toward a destination.  The definition of perfection is the state of being free from all flaws or defects. Yes, we all desire perfection.  But the fact that neither I nor anyone I know has ever achieved perfection in this life dampens the hope of my heart.  However, living a life of progress, living a life that moves toward a destination, towards perfection is something I can do little by little, every day.

Are you willing to grow along spiritual lines as The Big Book encourages?  Are you willing to move forward in hope toward our destination?  For all of us, this destination is heaven.  Jesus in the gospel reminds us that we do not know the day or time God will come.  In light of this, He calls us to “stay awake” and “be prepared.”  St. Paul also reminds us that now is the time to wake up for salvation is nearer than we first believed.  Because of this, throw off the works of darkness…things like…drunkenness…lust…jealousy…and put on the light of Christ–His love, hope, joy and peace.

Studying and journeying with the principles of organizations like AA or even praying with a good examination of conscience helps us know what we need to be aware of on our journey of progress.  Are you willing to work toward spiritual progress this Advent?  St. Charles Borromeo once wrote: “If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness.”  Let’s do it!  And little by little, progress can indeed be made.

Come Lord Jesus,
Fr. Jeremy