<p><em>Fr. Raniero Hoffman, OSB Cam</em><br /><br />The contemplative dimension of the human person—when realized and given the opportunity to emerge and develop—awakens within one’s consciousness an acute awareness of the presence and love of God in all creation and within the human heart. In this awareness, the contemplative intuitively knows that God is much bigger than what his/her mind and experience holds as real about God.</p>
<p>Thus, a surrender to "the more"—"the unknown" realities and person of God—becomes the invitation and the path that draws the contemplative forward. The light of God becomes darkness, and the darkness of God becomes light. This consciousness, awakened to a shared oneness with God, allows the contemplative to be grounded and centered in the Divine. He/she is surrounded and sometimes seemingly consumed by the pressures and anxieties of our society, our culture, and our world.</p>
<p>The global economic crisis that troubles us all in our day and time leaves us out-of-control.  We wonder, "What will happen?"  We question, "How long will it go on?" We ask, "Will I be able to face tomorrow?" In the midst of the darkness of our current situation, the contemplative dimension within each of us calls us to rest, to trust, and to wait in another more encompassing and subtle darkness: the darkness, the unknown, of God Who is in control and Who upholds us.</p>
<p>This is not an easy place to be, and we do not always stay grounded here. BUT it is true, it is real, it is grace. Waiting in this blessed groundedness or centeredness, which the contemplative consciousness opens for us, is very much an Advent Waiting, an Advent Witness, a living in Advent Hope.</p>
<p>This was the experience of our Hebrew ancestors as they waited, generation after generation, for God’s promise of a Messiah to come to fruition. As we approach this Advent season and as we hear the beautiful songs and prayers and scriptures of the Advent liturgy, perhaps we can ask God to grace us as we give time to quiet, wordless, contemplative prayer.  In this way of prayer we open our hearts to God’s presence—even when that presence is not experienced or felt. God’s presence within us can be unknown and dark, and yet so very real. We believe God’s presence within us is true and so we trust it. And so we rest in it. Growing and living in this Advent Waiting, this contemplative praying is what the world longs for in its uncertainty and its desire for meaning and purpose. Contemplative consciousness, contemplative prayer, contemplative living, and contemplative waiting: this is the Advent for today and for tomorrow.</p>