# A melody of hope: the flower of Jesse's stem
*2008-12-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and shares a meditation by Rev. James Field on finding hope and new life during Advent.

## The Healing Power of Confession

I had an opportunity this past Wednesday to go to confession. Usually, reconciliation is offered on Saturdays, but since I work then, I don't always have the opportunity to go as often as I would like. I can tell you that despite the process, the blessing and healing you receive is like a weight off your shoulders. If you haven't yet gone to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please try to make that effort before Christmas. If nothing else, you're going to feel better, your soul will be cleaner, and God loves you for it.

## A Prayer to Obtain Favors

I would like to share a prayer that my aunt, Sister Mary Teresa, gave me many years ago called the Prayer to Obtain Favors. It is a special prayer for me, and I believe it can be a special prayer for you as well: 

Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, I beseech, oh my God, to hear my prayers, to grant my desires through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

## Life in the Cold Desert

Today's reflection by Reverend James Field is titled "A Flower of Jesse's Stem." Jesse was the father of King David, and today's Advent reflection calls on the Messiah to blossom in our lives. 

Rev. Field shares a story about a friend who took a life-changing 100-day retreat in the mountains and deserts of New Mexico. Toward the end of the retreat, she was dropped off in a remote place to spend 24 hours alone. She was told not to walk around, but simply to stay put, look at God, and let God look at her. It was a scary prospect, especially in a national park during winter where fires cannot be lit. 

She stood by a tree that appeared mostly dead, with brown outer needles and dead branches. However, after several hours, as her eyes adjusted to the small details of the world, she noticed a vibrantly green, lush new branch of growth at the root. In the quiet of the cold desert, she was astonished by life. She began to think about all the ways grace had been poured out on her life's path, realizing that God's will always brings life, never death.

## Finding True Hope in Advent

The flower of Jesse's stem is a sign of God's intentions. It is no wonder the anthem says that kings will stand silent in its presence and nations will bow down in worship. Many people aren't expecting much from Christmas beyond a few days off, a good meal, and the inevitable credit card surprise. But for those keeping with Advent, we are learning what true hope is for.

Some people wait until Christmas Eve to turn on their tree lights, but we are now deep in Advent and there is nothing to stop you. Let your lights be a sign of what is happening in your heart. I encourage you to gather your friends and family around the tree, sprinkle water, and bless it with the words of the Psalms: "Let all the trees of the forest rejoice."

*Like the green shoot at the root of a dead tree, God's grace brings new life and hope to our souls during the Advent season.*