During my recent “Tune in With Terry” zoom session that focused on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we had a very engaged crowd and a stimulating discussion. The Gospel story under consideration was the Annunciation, Luke 1:26-38. In it the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she will give birth to a baby, who will become an eternal King who fulfills God’s promise to another king, David. But the Christ Child King will reign over a forever kingdom.
Our discussion highlighted the fascination that so many have with angels. We shared various experiences of angels in our lives. We considered what it would be like to have an angel appear to us as well as how Mary felt at the apparition of Gabriel. We shared stories of angel apparitions in varying levels from very concrete and real to images and sightings that reminded us of angels. I was once again put in touch with the intrigue of these heavenly messengers.
May I suggest a simple spiritual exercise to do as a family to connect the Feast of the Holy Family that we focus on this weekend, and the angels in our midst? Have a family discussion similar to the one on our zoom, asking, How would you feel if an angel appeared to you? Have you ever seen an angel? Where have you seen images of angels?
We are actually surrounded by many beautiful figurines, lawn ornaments, paintings, pictures and sculptures of angels, expressing even further the human fascination with them. Images of angels often comfort us, but they certainly can inspire as well.
One such inspiration moved the heart of my friend, Jack Shea. You have heard me quote Jack quite a bit out of respect and admiration for his deep spiritual insights. Jack is a theologian and storyteller, but he is also a poet and the image of an angel created by his wife Anne inspired him to write this beautiful poem included in their Christmas card that conveys such a peaceful message.
Enjoy for yourself Anne’s art and Jack’s poetry.
It happens when we least expect it.
When we wake in the night
with worries of the day.
When we mask a child
too young to have her face unseen.
When we ache to see people
but fear to invite them.
When we touch a forehead
and hope it is not hot.
Suddenly comfort comes,
arriving as grace
into exhaustion.
It must be a mistake.
Nothing has changed.
Dare we allow it in?
Are the angels of Bethlehem
still wandering the world,
trumpets uplifted,
visiting us with Christmas news?
“There is One among you who brings peace.”
You will also enjoy the book
“Seeing Haloes: Poems to Open the Heart”
by John Shea, Liturgical Press
Illustrated by Mark and Franklin McMahon