As the Advent season is upon us, we look to scripture in celebration of the Lord’s coming and are reminded of Mary’s grace as the chosen woman to deliver God’s only begotten son. Both the first reading in Revelation and the Gospel readings show an absolute reverence for the church and our holy Mother Mary.
The New Testament passage of Revelation tells the tale of a woman who is being sought after by a dragon ready to devour the child that she is carrying. The church, as a symbol, is being plagued by so many who wish to destroy the essence of what it stands for. The symbolism of the strong female archetype as the home of the church is one that I have always identified with and see the church as a warm protector.
My experience was always that the church was a sanctuary from the evils of the world and a place that the poor, hungry, and downtrodden could turn to. In recent years, I feel that the church has taken on a very political stance and is not the protector of the poor, needy, and puts out more wrath than love. As we stand before our creator, will we be able to say that his church welcomed all who sought refuge from the dragon and evilness in the world? During this time of Advent as a time of light, can we dispel the darkness and welcome a season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love?
In the Gospel readings, the joy that Mary is chosen as the mother to bring the “light and forgiveness” of the world is one of pure love. When she visits Elizabeth and the baby that she carries “leaps for joy” to be in the presence of true holiness. These passages bring about happiness and focus on Jesus’s birth and the peace that his presence will create in the world. And yet the dragon of selfishness and evil is always looking to devour our hope. The darkness cannot take over unless we let it. Mary’s annunciation from the angel and Mary’s visit to Elizabeth both show an overwhelming joy that can drive out darkness, even in an unhopeful time. The gospels show that even a little bit of hope can light the way back to Christ and his love for us. The Church is charge with this too, and it is important for us all to remember that as we grapple through this together.
Life is hard. Times are difficult. I am exhausted by the world and the despair I see.
I contemplate peace and pray for guidance against those who only wish hardship and ruin on others.
Be our light, Lord. Bring back the nurturing and protective nature of the church and its teachings. May they know we are Christians by our love.
“I (almost) always come limping into Advent,
desperate for light, but almost too tired to look for it.
Then, I remember, the light comes to look for me,
and that’s the whole point.” (Annie B. Jones)
Desiree Nownes
Dr. Desiree Nownes has spent 30 years on a Jesuit campus. Beginning her education at Regis University in Denver, she relocated to Omaha in July 2000. Over the last 25 years, she has had the privilege of serving in various roles and currently holds the position of Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life. She collaborates with a dedicated team, engaging students in meaningful conversations about their identity and aspirations. Together, they welcome students and assist them in understanding the institution’s expectations and values. Dr. Nownes is deeply passionate about her work and the individuals she collaborates with. Dr. Nownes has also had the privilege to co-teach the Creighton Colleagues Program and has experienced firsthand the camaraderie and engagement that the program fosters through the Ignatian lens.
Education
• Regis University (Denver, CO) – B.A., Criminal Justice, Sociology
• Creighton University (Omaha, NE) – M.S., Counseling, Student Affairs
• Creighton University (Omaha, NE) – Ed.D., Interdisciplinary Leadership
