Charleen Vinalon Doan '05, '07 M.Ed.

As the mother of two young children, every day I see the excitement that comes with learning something new and the joy of discovering the amazing world around us. There is a great sense of anticipation and awe towards anything and everything that comes our way. There is also a feeling of innocence that is free of judgment and skepticism.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that it is not the Father’s will that any of his children are lost to the ways of the world. When we wake each morning and face the realities of violence, destruction, and hate in our world, it is easy to become apathetic and to stray from the hope of peace and goodness that has been promised to us in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

As we continue to make our preparations for Christ’s coming this Advent, let us recognize how often we have gone astray from the path set out for us by our heavenly Father. What parts of our lives have “gone astray” this year? Is it a deep prayer life that has gone stale? Is it a relationship with a close friend that has fizzled because of our busy lives? Is it the drive to make a difference despite the daily reminders of hatred and division?

It can be easy to let the Advent season become routine for our spiritual lives—a time to practice our standard preparation for the Lord’s coming without truly anticipating the meaning of God’s promise. Now more than ever, we need to be reminded of the child-like innocence and excitement for what is to come.

The Shepherd is searching for us, ready to rejoice at our return. Are we willing to be found?