Time to Get in Shape

Written by Fr. Eric Sundrup, SJ on the First Sunday of Advent

Waiting is annoying. Most of us don’t like waiting. It’s no surprise that there are so many apps and online services that promise to save us time, to reduce our wait, to put services or goods in our hands as quickly as possible. They make us feel active and in charge of our time. I understand that push all too well. As far as I’m concerned, self-driving cars can’t get here soon enough. Imagine all the time we’ll recoup when we can work, play or rest while the car does all the driving.

But the really important question isn’t where we can save time, but what are we doing with our time. What will you do with your time this Advent? Our readings this Sunday speak of the end of the world. We are exhorted to be on guard, to be ready. What are we doing with our time? How do we fill our free time? Is it solid preparation?

Do not become drowsy from… the anxieties of daily life.

Often when we hear about Advent as a season of waiting, we think of passive waiting. But preparing to meet the Son of God is not simply about sitting back and waiting for something to happen to us. Our active participation is required. Christianity isn’t a spectator sport.

Think of the type of waiting and preparation that people do for a marathon. Sure, we wait for “race day” but there is nothing passive about that waiting. If you are going to run a marathon your need to stretch, run and cross train. You’ve got work to do. Rest days matter, but they matter because they make those active days that much more effective. We can’t afford to be lazy; we can’t afford to skip training. It’s time to get in shape: The days are coming. 

***********************

Fr. Eric Sundrup, SJ
Fr. Eric @sunnydsj was ordained in June 2014 and joined the St. Mary’s staff in August 2014.  He relocated to Ann Arbor after completing his degree at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA.  Fr. Eric spent part of his Jesuit training living and working in Bolivia and Peru and enjoys working with our vibrant Hispanic ministry.  He also works with the Ig.nite lead team and the RCIA program. 
Email: esundrup@smspnewman.org