(This post is a follow-up to my last post, “Advent: Hope for the weak.” Please read it before this one.)

Dear women of faith,

This season’s message should especially resonate with us. Advent reminds us that throughout all of history, God chooses to manifest Himself through those whom the world sees as weak; those who are young, poor, abandoned, outcast, disgraced, slaves, barren, sickly, or sinners. The weak are lifted up by the love of God.

We are often looked upon as the weaker sex. In fact, I would personally have no problem with saying it altogether: Women are the weaker sex.

I boldly and calmly declare this because such a statement belongs in this world. In a world corrupted by sin, there are always people less appreciated, put down. The scales can never be equal in this world like they are in heaven.

We all know well the woman’s plight throughout history. Today, we can easily see women viewed as weaker by turning on the television, flipping through a magazine, or listening to the radio. We are viewed as objects to be used, consumed, taken full advantage of, and discarded when rendered useless. Our brains are smaller, we lack power and strength, we cry too much, talk too much, and spend too much money.

Sisters, I believe that we should embrace our “weakness.”

If this world deems us weak, let us love such a label as has been shared with David, Sarah, and the Blessed Mother. Even Her apparitions have been taken to the world by shepherds, peasants, and children. These messages – the most beautiful and important of all – have been given to the world in the unexpected package labeled “fragile” and “unwanted.”

May Christmas be a time during which women praise God for promises kept to the “weak.”

“About myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians: 5-10)

I am a weak person.

My life has been, for the most part, comfortable, so I often lack the ability to stand up for myself. I’m thin with few muscles worth mentioning. My voice does not demand attention on its own. I cry once a week. I tend to lack self-confidence.

In other words, I am a weak person.

The season of Advent for weaklings like me, however, shines as a glimmer of hope. Today’s readings remind me of this fact: in the history of salvation, God uses the weak to lead the strong. For some reason, the Almighty God of the Universe likes to manifest Himself through people like me.

He raises disgraced, barren mothers to become mothers of the greatest prophets. He raises self-conscious men to bear His message. He raises a poor shepherd boy to become the greatest king in a nation’s history. He raises a disgraced, unwed teenager to become the mother of God Incarnate.

And for some reason, God wants to be among the weak. He humbles Himself to become a baby lying in a feeding trough. He humbles Himself to touch the skin of the untouchables. He humbles Himself to love the disgraced adulteresses, thieving tax collectors, even the man whom He knows will betray Him. He even humbles Himself to die the worst death He possibly could as a despised, forsaken criminal.

Why does God choose the weak?

I will not presume to say I know the answer to such a question of Providence. But I will say that for a person like me, all this proves that God is love. It is so easy to “love” a strong person. But to love someone with weaknesses, faults, whom few others like-that takes real love.

God’s preference for the weak also manifests His omnipotence. From this history of weaklings, God has brought salvation. From the lowest of the low, God has brought the greatest of all victories.

In short, our learning the history of God’s work among us tells us His message: I love you, no matter what. You have nothing at all to fear. Stay close to me; whatever you lack, I will fill.

I hope I learn this lesson.

For you are my hope, O LORD;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength.

Psalm 71:5-6ab

“The songs are about love and about God, about feeling strong and tough times, its all in there.”

“God is in the houses / and God is in my head / and all the cemeteries of London / I see God come in my garden / But I don’t know what He said / For my heart, it wasn’t open.”

As a music lover, a communications major, and a strong Catholic, I want good music with lyrics that communicate a positive message. Solid music with a solid message, however, is difficult to find among the mainstream musicians these days.

Two of the bands whose music I have been playing frequently these days are Coldplay and Los Lonely Boys. STOP – wait. Don’t get turned off to me quite yet.

I know that Coldplay has been criticized in the past for their slower, sleepier, piano rock sound. And I know that many radio listeners are tired of hearing the words “Los” “Lonely” and “Boys” together, especially when connected to the unfortunately overplayed song, “Heaven,” adopted by contemporary Christian band Salvador.

What would you say if Coldplay upped the ante and their beat? And what if Los Lonely Boys actually became enjoyable for you? Honestly, my friends, both of these bands are well worth your time.

Not only are these guys some of the more talented musicians out there in the world of “musicians” (anyone see Kanye West’s latest SNL performance? ugh.), but their lyrics also have incredible potential to inspire people of faith, or any people.

Much can be said in support of Coldplay’s music and lyrics. Vocalist Chris Martin has been blessed with an outstanding voice talent and engaging stage presence that many modern artists lack. Their newest release, Viva La Vida, stands out as my favorite. Consider the lyrics of “Lovers in Japan” or “Lost” or even “Viva La Vida” — all singles from their latest album:

I do not, however, condone all of their songs or some of their behavior outside of the music.

Of the two bands, I most enjoy the personalities of Los Lonely Boys. The band consists of the three Garza brothers used to playing backup band for their dad. They are truly Latinos through and through–family- and faith-oriented. (This interview is a great example of their spirits.) They’re not living saints, but they’re an inspiring group of real people playing real music. I have been blessed to attend one of their conciertos aqui en San Antonio with my dad, and it was a blast. These young men are some of the most talented and unique rock bands out there.

Los Lonely Boys, although hardly marketed as a Christian rock band, have never shied away from singing about their beliefs.

“Faith plays the biggest role in everything we do,” Garza says. “It’s the most important thing to Los Lonely Boys, to our families. Everything we see, touch, smell and feel comes from God.”

I proudly present to you “Texican Rock and Roll”:

1. The Killer Jam Session (”Onda”)

2. Song with lyrics (”Forgiven”)

I discovered this film about a week ago. I don’t remember how, but I am excited for it.

Check it out at http://www.the13thday.com

The fall semester is over! I am back to living at home for the next month, and hopefully back to blogging.

I expect that my extended absence from any sort of online presence has left me with very few readers left. I know that my lack of free time since the start of the summer has caused me a few graphic design jobs (that was upsetting) and has also contributed to a lack of discipline in the spiritual life.

Thankfully, I participated in my parish’s Advent Reconciliation Service yesterday, and was able to see my new favorite confessor, Father Chris.

With his advice, I have made a renewed commitment to living my life within the context of prayer.

Expect more art in the blog. And do me a favor: comment if you catch this entry! Just something to let me know you’re still here!