December 11, 2004

"If only you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea; your descendants would be like the sand."

I love the readings during the Advent season because they are full of hope and promise. Many of the readings are taken from the prophet Isaiah, whose words teach us profound truths with simple images taken from the earth, sky, and sea.

There are many lessons we can learn in life, but only if we are good students. Good students don't just "show up"; rather, they "sit-up and shut-up" – that is, they pay careful attention and take notes too. This is the difference between a person of religion and a person of faith. The former wants only to pass, the latter to learn.

Some people speak about going through the "school of hard knocks". This, of course, means that they have suffered from sickness, poverty, or some other hardship or handicap. Yet, it also means they have learned some good lessons. However, a person of faith not only has life as a teacher but God as a tutor. There, in private one-on-one sessions, He teaches us what to make of the headaches and heartaches life often brings.

In Isaiah's prophetic words, we also hear it said, "1, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If only you would hearken to my commandments..." These words should make us wonder if some of our difficulties in life resulted from our own immaturity, ignorance, and obstinacy. No wonder why we often failed.

Well, if indeed you agree with the saying, "education is wasted on the young", now that you're older and wiser for the wear, come back to class. This Advent, take time out from your busy schedule, find a quiet corner, and in silence and solitude call out to Christ; then listen, take notes, and ask questions. Finally, the teacher you once feared has become your tutor and friend!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers, New York
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