Our Time To Choose

God has given us all a role to fulfill, it is for us to choose whether or not we do so.

Henry III was the Holy Roman Emperor in the middle of the 11th century, ruling parts of western and central Europe. His kingdom included Germany, Burgundy, Bohemia, and northern Italy as well as numerous smaller territories.

It is said that after a few years he became tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. Henry was known to be a man of faith and his intent was to retire to a life of contemplation and prayer. Accordingly he applied to the Prior of a local monastery to be accepted as a simple brother, living out the rest of years as a monk.

The Prior had his doubts. “Your Majesty, the life of a monk is one of obedience. That will be hard for you to accept as a king..

“I understand,” replied the king, “I place myself under obedience to your authority. For the rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”

The Prior nodded, “Then I will tell you what you must do. Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place God has put you.”

Henry was as good as his word, he returned to his throne and ruled wisely and benevolently for many years. History remembers him as Henry the Pious. When King Henry died in the Year of Our Lord, 1056, a statement was released. “The king learned to rule, by being obedient.”

In today’s Gospel we hear of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. At this precise moment the Old Covenant intertwines with the New. Elizabeth will give birth to the last of the old prophets; Mary will give birth to the fulfillment of all prophecies.

The amazing thing about this encounter is that the presence of the unborn children is just as powerful as the presence of the mothers. John the Baptist leaps for joy while he is still in Elizabeth’s womb, as soon as Jesus who is still in Mary’s womb, enters the room. Even before they are born the children are fulfilling their mission. Their God-given purpose, their calling is already at work in them.

Each of has a calling from God, and each of us have been given gifts to realize that calling. There are no exceptions, and there are no unimportant gifts. And everyday we are faced with a choice. Will we be obedient to God’s will and to use our gifts and fulfill our call, or will we turn from Him and go our own way? Everyday we are faced with the same choice Adam faced in the garden.

And as Advent draws to a close, our time to make that choice grows shorter.

The Lord comes, both as a babe in Bethlehem and as a judge at the end of all things. Are we ready? Have we prepared? Have we followed the example of our Blessed Mother and the divine Son, and said yes to our calling?

Pax Vobiscum
4th Sunday of Advent

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© Lawrence Klimecki

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Deacon Lawrence draws on ancient Christian tradition to create new contemporary art that seeks to connect the physical and the spiritual.. For more information on original art, prints and commissions, Please visit www.DeaconLawrence.org 

Lawrence Klimecki, MSA, is a deacon in the Diocese of Sacramento. He is a public speaker, writer, and artist, reflecting on the intersection of art and faith