Good morning! Our Advent devotional for today comes to us from Dr. Mike Russel, who serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at TCU. I have no doubt that many of you know Mike from his many of years of service to TCU, and as you know, to know Mike is to love him. I have gotten to know him really well over the years and along the way he stopped simply being a trusted colleague and started being a dear friend. That shift for me was due in large part to the calm and steady presence he provided in the midst of a fairly significant loss of someone who was a dear friend to us both. In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty Mike’s presence brought everyone around him a sense of PEACE, and his ever-present sense of humor brought light into spaces that felt dark. I have learned over the years that that’s who Mike is, and who better to write about PEACE during this Advent season. I trust that you’ll appreciate his transparency and vulnerability as you read his words for us today. PEACE be with you… – Rev. Todd Boling, University Chaplain
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
I have restarted this Advent reflection about ten times. For me, “peace” has a serene, conflict-free vibe. And this is where the problem begins. How dare I write about peace and serenity from a warm, safe home when I know that people are living on the street within several blocks of me, that the people of Ukraine have been torn apart in a war of some sort for over a decade, and that the people Israel and Palestine continue to suffer horribly. Peace, as defined by lack of conflict, isn’t achievable.
2 Corinthians 13:11 tells me peace is not an outcome but a process. Thus, my role in life should be to strive towards peace by reconciling conflict, which will help people and bring peace.
A few weeks ago, my siblings and cousins buried our Uncle Candido, who passed away at 90 years old after serving as a Catholic Priest for over 50 years and honoring the vows of a priesthood after he retired.
A few months before his death, I had the privilege of spending half a day with Uncle Candido, reminiscing about the family farm where his house was located, his ninetieth birthday party we hosted last summer, and his life as a Catholic priest. I was curious about how his 17-year-old self decided to attend college at a seminary nearly 1,400 miles from his small northern New Mexico hometown. He indicated that the Catholic priesthood was the most viable route at that time and in that location to help people.
My Uncle’s life was not without turmoil. He’d spent most of his career in small parishes throughout New Mexico, often the only full-time church staff member. He talked about the profound loneliness he experienced and the issues he developed with alcohol as a coping mechanism. His faith (and really good treatment in Minnesota) helped him prevail over alcohol. His retirement from the priesthood was not by choice, and he was in conflict with the Catholic leadership in New Mexico until his death.
Nine Catholic priests presided over my Uncle’s funeral. It was clear that even though he was no longer active in a local church, he played a significant role in these men’s lives. He helped stave off their loneliness and resolved their own conflicts and issues. They called him the “Priest’s priest.” Uncle Candido could have retreated to his home and lived out his life in peace. Instead, he actively engaged in their lives, helping them find peace within their conflicts.
The priest’s parting words to Candido were, “Rest in God” instead of the usual “rest in peace.” During this season of Advent may we all find PEACE by doing just that.
Let us pray.
God, please grant me the strength and wisdom to engage with the people with whom I am in conflict. Help me remember that the resolution process is more important than the outcome. Please remind me that there are others suffering and that my privilege comes with responsibility during this season of Advent and beyond. Amen.