Remember Jesus

On Sunday, November 16, my group and I worshipped at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer, the bishop’s seat for the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church in Madrid. Bishop Carlos Lozano invited me to join the worship party, and while we were in the clergy vesting room, he kept peeking out the door to see if any children had arrived. I wondered, Why does he keep checking? Once the service started, I realized he had been looking for a family to light the Advent wreath! But in mid-November?

This cathedral follows the Spanish Mozarabic Rite, a liturgical style established by Christians (Mozarabs) who lived under Moorish rule. In the Mozarabic tradition, there are six Sundays in Advent, and the season began this year on November 16.

At St. Bart’s, we follow the Roman style of four Sundays in Advent. Like Lent, Advent is a time of penitence and preparation for our holiest celebrations. We have a unique challenge, though. Unlike in the Mozarabic tradition, our Advent is shorter than our Lent—and it’s during the busiest month of the year! How do we engage with this season?

My answer is this: Remember Jesus. Do not be a wandering sheep—keep him present in your life. Hold close in your heart the story of God breaking into salvation history, not in disguise, but as a revelation. Love your neighbor.

I challenge you to come to church more often in this busy season. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, we gather for Morning Prayer at 8:40 a.m., Holy Eucharist at noon, and Evening Prayer at 5:00 p.m. Every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., we gather for a soup supper with a program called “Walking with Mary.”

Jesus promises to always be with us. So, remember him—never alone, but with a faith community that loves you.

Blessings,

Mother Nina+