# Jesus waits for us with open arms
*2014-11-30*

> In this reflection for the first week of Advent, Bill Young explores the danger of consumerism and the invitation to renew a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

## The invitation of Christ

Today is Monday of the first week of Advent, and we are praying from our book, Our Advent Journey with Christ. In the words of Pope Francis, Jesus waits for us with open arms. He tells us, 'Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.'

## The danger of consumerism

There is a great danger in today's world provided by consumerism. It is the dissolution and anguish born of complacent yet covetous hearts, feverish pursuits of frivolous pleasures, and a blunt conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others and no place for the poor. God's voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of His love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades.

## A risk worth taking

This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it and end up resentful, angry, and listless. This is not a dignified or fulfilled life; it is not God's will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit, which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ. I invite all Christians everywhere at this very moment to renew their personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least their openness to letting Him encounter them. I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day.

## God is already there

No one should think that this invitation is not meant for them, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk. Whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that God is already there, waiting for us with open arms.

*Whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we find that He is already there waiting for us with open arms.*