30 November 2025 #beruthless

Every now and again our Archdiocese hosts a Staff Formation Day for all parish staff who work in the Lord’s vineyard. It’s a day of friendship, listening to great speakers, and engaging in some much-needed spiritual edification. Your intrepid staff here at St. Elizabeth, although we love helping you grow closer to Jesus through administration or formation, sometimes need space for growth ourselves. As the mantra goes, ‘You can’t give what you don’t have,’ and it’s good for us to spend a day filling-up so that, like Paul, we can pour ourselves out like a libation for you. We were filled to the point overflowing a few weeks ago. The theme was healing-on-the-front-lines-of-ministry… so timely. Local therapist and Catholic Studies alum, Dr. Dan McClure gave a thought-provoking talk, “Abiding in the Body: Integration and Fruitfulness in Times of Crisis.”

He spoke about the crisis of culture: our mental health drama, political polarization, identity confusion, how the body keeps score of trauma, and finally, our inability to “let our souls catch up with our bodies.” He reminded us that a crisis is actually an opportunity… a crucial turning point, a moment of decision for us… we get to choose between good and evil, both in our internal thoughts and external actions. He recommended a particular book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Comer). Pause.

I hear you, what does this have to do with Advent and the readings from Isaiah, our psalmist, St. Paul, and Matthew’s Gospel? Hang on, it’s coming.

Being the academic I am, I immediately put a hold on Comer’s book at my library. Yes, I am also a nerd and a legit library patron, and I wouldn’t change either one. Here’s where it all comes together. I devoured Comer’s book on eliminating hurry in a couple of days. Re-read it. Again. Bought copies for friends and family. Why?

Because the elimination of hurry is at the heart of our Advent readings today.

How can you climb the Lord’s mountain and listen to his words from your heart (Isaiah) unless you make time for rest? How can you cultivate joy, radiate his peace, and pray for your enemies (psalm) unless you create a sacred space in your soul for contemplation? How can you throw off the works of darkness and put on Jesus’ armor of light (Paul) unless you spend time with your Savior instead of social media? How can you be ready for what-suddenly-comes-next while still living in the here-and-now unless you get-rid-of-hurry (Matthew)?

We simply cannot hear the gentle voice of our Lord unless we slow down and keep Advent in our homes, in our hearts, and on our calendars.

Waiting is hard because we have been trained and re-wired for “experience,” the new gifting buzzword. Waiting well requires discipline and practice: Slow your thought. Quiet your conversation. Be gentle in action. Be present to Jesus and Jesus-in-others.

Let’s be relentless about eliminating “hurry” this Advent. Let’s be intentional about our journey towards Jesus (Isaiah). Pack what’s essential and leave behind what isn’t. Secure time and space for contemplation (Psalm). Put on an armor of holiness (Paul). If we do these things, we will be prepared for the unexpected (Matthew) and able to choose the Good. #beruthless