1st Sunday of Advent

More massive fireworks being fired right now from somewhere behind our house. The explosives are so powerful it not only rocks our house but also all the cars parked in our tiny alley. Their alarms are wailing in a cacophony while the muezzins continue nonchalantly with their call to prayer .... adding to the rising volume of sounds that encrust us.

Yesterday night Matthew celebrated his successful seminar by organising an Indian cookout. ALl the indian students were of course present (except Praveen who was in Tel Aviv to shepherd his Konkani parishioners). Also invited were several of his friends. The chicken curry and tapioca curry was great. My contribution was cooking the rice. It was a relaxing moment - to be able to eat home food and speak english again.

And we start a new Liturgical Year. Advent points to two events - one in the past in which we recall the birth of the Messiah; and another in the future, of the Messiah's 2nd coming. The readings today remind us that we must not be passive participants in this 2nd coming but must be fully engaged in active works - we do not "wait" but participate in the coming.