​Advent is a time of focusing on the coming of the Lord.  We wait for the coming in three ways; in the celebration of the Incarnation at Christmas time when we celebrate God with us in the person of Jesus Christ, in Christ coming at the end of time and Christ coming into our midst in daily activities. 
 
In the gospel of Luke, John the prophet calls people to a metanoia; a change of heart.   He points them to the one who is savior and redeemer.   Often we block the coming of the Lord into our midst when we are taken up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season.  Our lack of mindfulness blocks what is happening.  During this Season of Advent we should be open to the many ways that we can experience the Lord. Jesus is with us daily as we pay attention to our prayer life.  He is present in our lives as we pay attention to those who are needy.  We experience Jesus on a daily basis when we see him in others and when we stay committed to the common good. Let nothing block the coming of the Lord.  

​We come to the close of the Liturgical Year with the Feast we call Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  Since we do not have experience with kings or queens except with perhaps a fascination of the monarchy of England, it is difficult for us to understand Jesus as a King.  Jesus wants us to understand his kingdom as an entirely different one.  He tells Pilate that his Kingdom is not of this world.  He does say that those who consider him as King need to understand his Kingdom as entirely different. 
 
We are to realize that the Kingdom of Jesus is one that is based on love.  It is not one that is based on power.  It is a kingdom that serves others through mercy and kindness.  It is a kingdom but the power that it conveys is the power of love.  It is easier to be subjects in a kingdom where you have no choice.  It might not be pleasant but you do not have to struggle regarding what you are to do.  If Jesus is truly our King, we are to build his Kingdom of love here on this earth.  That is a challenge each and every day.