AECI Advent 2025 Reflection: 'Plunge Into Trust; Awaken In Hope' (Week 2)

Week 2: Understanding

'Pass through an Understanding

Gazing on the warmest light

That lifts all veils on the bygone.

To break thus

Into an Understanding without trepidation

Is detachment from 'the Self'

That hurries and bustles unchecked.

Here, you shall never run from such stillness

At the foot of Splendour's heights

Your Star blazes true,

And sings the tune of home to communicate.

Today,

Be no more of this raging earth

You have everything one needs to rejuvenate'

In the readings for the second Sunday of Advent we hear of that beautiful promise of fulfilment, deliverance and hope in the book of Isaiah. 'There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord'.

It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the harmful and the ruinous aspects of our lives, as certain habits and norms set in so readily. Advent gives us the chance to understand ourselves at a deeper level and to tackle what stops us being 'at home' with the divine.

We can prepare for the coming of this new dawn by making time for silence and for learning through the presence of God to escape from the 'hustle and bustle' of false narratives and commercial pressures.

This coming week, feel that 'your Star' is connecting with the source of Light and Truth. Slow down where possible, so you can learn a sense of 'detachment' anew!