Ancient Promises

Ancient Promises Father Alfred Delp I see this year's Advent with an intensity and presentiment like never before. When I pace back and forth in my cell, three steps forward and three steps back, hands in irons, ahead of me an unknown destiny, I understand very differently than before those ancient promises of the coming Lord who will redeem us and set us free. And, along with these thoughts, comes the memory of the angel that a good person gave me for Advent two years ago. It held a banner: 'Rejoice, for the Lord is near.' A bomb destroyed the angel. A bomb killed the good person, and I often sense that she continues to do angel-services for me. The terror of this time would not be bearable--any more than the terror brought on by our world situation, if we comprehend it--except for this other knowledge that continually encourages us and sets us straight.... Advent, despite all earnestness, is a time of refuge because it has received a message. Oh, if people know nothing about the message and the promises any more, if they only experience the four walls and the prison windows of their gray days, and no longer perceive the quiet footsteps of the announcing angels, if the angels' murmured word does not simultaneously shake us to the depths and lift up our souls--then it is over for us. Then we are living wasted time, and we are dead, long before they do anything to us. Source: Advent of the Heart Read more and add your thoughts at inward/outward This message is a daily service of inward/outward. Was this message forwarded to you? Click here to sign up. No longer interested in receiving these readings? Click here to unsubscribe. Having trouble unsubscribing? Email Church of the Saviour Office: churchofthesaviour.office@gmail.com