The example of Fr David Arms

Our Columban colleague, Fr David Arms, died yesterday morning after a long battle with cancer. Until the last weeks when he was in hospital and finally in a full care rest home, he had been with us here in Lower Hutt. His final journey has helped me to see our Advent journey in a new light. Isaiah says, '' The Lord gives strength to the wearied, he strengthens the powerless.'' Although we witnessed David's physical deterioration, we admired his faith and determination to continue with the daily practices of his life. He used a walker to come to daily mass and to join us at meals and community meetings. David carried a heavy burden but it was lightened by his deep faith, and he carried it until the end with remarkable resiliance. We are living this time of Advent as we prepare to meet Jesus in a special way at Christmas. Our Advent is another step in the journey of life that ended for David yesterday. When my mother died, I wrote this prayer for her memorial card. ''May we live in such a way that we are prepared to meet the Lord when he calls us,'' He calls us in so many ways.. We can meet our Creator and Saviour in his word and in the eucharist, in the community and in those in need. David showed us how we can meet him in each small daily event when it is lived as a gift to be cherished. Thank you, David, for your example of such faithful preparation.