He Dwells Among Us

Advent reminds us that there is hope for overcoming addictions.

Advent is often a time when I, like many, am faced with situations where I must say no to the many foods and drinks that would be easy to enjoy beyond moderation. As a diabetic, I know how important it is to be able to discipline this desire because of the consequences it can have on my health. Having the freedom to say no to many things in life—things that can harm us when enjoyed beyond moderation—is important for healthy living. When we lose that ability, our physical, mental, and spiritual life suffers.

The former slave Frederick Douglass once remarked that he did not realize he was a slave until he discovered he could not do the things he wanted. This realization led him to seek his freedom and eventually to become one of the greatest leaders of the abolitionist movement to end slavery. I know many such people today who, like Frederick Douglas, were once enslaved but are now abolitionists fighting the forms of slavery known as addictions.

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November is a time to celebrate those who have gone before us.

So many people are hailed as heroes today that the meaning of the word has become diluted. Perhaps because of my love of baseball, I often hear the word associated with sports figures who make millions of dollars to catch or pitch a ball. Talent, though, does not necessarily make the hero.

But there are people who I think do deserve the title, people who have influenced the world in a special way with their gifts and talents. And then there are our personal heroes, people whose example and sacrifices inspire us to become more than we thought we could be. In November—a time when the Church celebrates those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith—there’s one such person I will especially recall.
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With Mary we contemplate—and learn to become—the face of Jesus.

Doctors tend to be very thorough in prescribing care for their patients. I will be the first to admit, though, I haven’t always been very good about taking their advice to heart—at least not until my symptoms worsen and get my attention. It was much easier when I was living at home. My mother never failed to remind me what was needed and to help me recover when I was sick. I think this is one reason why I particularly like the month of October, a month dedicated to our Heavenly Mother.

In front of our Chancery building stands a statue of Mary holding the child Jesus. Inscribed at the base of the statue are the words of Mary at the wedding at Cana: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). When it comes to our spiritual health, no better words can be offered. And the best way to internalize the words of Christ as a prescription for the soul is to meditate upon the Gospel, especially with the help of Mary and her gift to us, the rosary.
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