Enjoying the Presence of Jesus

As we come to the end of the second week of Advent and closer to Christmas, sitting back and relaxing in the aura of Jesus's friendship, or anybody's at this stage, is most likely not our first priority, nor does it seem like a viable one. Yet, the first reading of  today's Mass from the book of Sirach, honoring the prophet Elijah,  while speaking of a flaming furnace, a whirlwind of fire, a chariot with fiery horses, a   "Mission Impossible" and apparently contradictory, a peaceful sleep, indicates there is need for both action and rest. "You were destined, it is written, in time to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,/ and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you/ and who falls asleep in your friendship." (Sir 48: 10-11).  Perhaps our mission is not as dramatic as that of Elijah, but the image of falling asleep in friendship has a special appeal.
Our goal in life is to grow in friendship with Jesus, a fundamental necessity before we can accomplish anything worthwhile.  Even when our mission seems impossible because we have let too much pile up on our "plate", that is precisely when we need to stop, calm down and enjoy the presence of Jesus, so much so that our fatigue might even allow us to fall asleep in his friendship. Thus, he can speak to us while we are more receptive and not distracted by our busyiness to hear what he is saying to us.  We will then awaken truly refreshed and with greater strength to carry out our mission more fruitfully.
Bro. Rene