December 1, 2024 - First Sunday of Advent

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

      The meaning of Advent is central to the season, and understanding its depth can help enrich our celebration of both the liturgical season and the coming of Christ.

     The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." It is a season that marks the anticipation of the coming of Christ. Advent has two main dimensions: a) The First Coming: The historical event of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, which we celebrate at Christmas. b) The Second Coming: The future return of Christ in glory, when He will bring fulfillment to God’s Kingdom, judge the living and the dead, and bring an end to suffering and sin. Advent is, therefore, a time of waiting and preparing, not just for the celebration of Jesus' birth, but for His ultimate return at the end of time.

     Advent calls us to cultivate a spirit of hope—a hope that is both past and future. We remember the ancient hope of the Israelites as they awaited the coming of the Messiah, and we also look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ’s second coming. The readings of Advent emphasize the anticipation of something greater. For example, in the First Reading from Jeremiah (33:14-16), the prophet speaks of the coming of a righteous king from the line of David—a   prophecy that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. That hope is a key theme of Advent: Christ is coming, and with His coming also come justice, peace, and salvation.

     In Advent, we are called to prepare spiritually. But this preparation isn't just about setting up a creche or buying gifts; it’s about examining our hearts and lives. Advent invites us to renew our faith, reorient our lives, and reflect on how we are living in light of Christ’s coming. In the Gospel from Luke 21:25-36, Jesus urges His disciples to be vigilant and watchful, saying: “Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place.” This vigilance is not merely about physical watchfulness; it’s about being spiritually awake, attentive to God’s presence in our lives, and ready to respond to His call. Advent challenges us to look within and ask: Are we ready for Christ to come into our lives again in a deeper way?

     Advent also serves as a spiritual spring cleaning—a chance for us to renew our relationship with God and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. The Church encourages confession, prayer, and acts of charity during Advent, so we might not only anticipate Christ's birth, but be ready to receive Him into our hearts. It's a time to reconnect with our spiritual roots, to slow down, and reflect on where we are in our journey of faith.

     Advent comes during the darkest time of the year, both in terms of the season and our spiritual lives. The days are   shorter, the nights longer, and the world feels colder. Yet Advent’s deep symbolism reminds us that Christ, the Light of the World, is coming to dispel the darkness. This is why Advent is often represented with the Advent wreath, whose candles symbolize the growing light as we approach Christmas. The light is both a symbol of Christ’s birth and a reminder of His promise to come again to bring full illumination to our lives.

     Advent is not just a personal journey; it’s a time for the community of believers to gather and wait together. Just as the people of Israel longed for the Messiah, we are called to wait together as a Church, united in prayer and hope. The       readings and prayers of the season invite us to reflect on how we, as the Body of Christ, are preparing for His coming.

     To help foster this deeper sense of preparation, the Church encourages specific practices during Advent: Prayer and Reflection: Use the time of Advent to set aside extra time for prayer, reading Scripture, or attending Mass more regularly. Reflect on the meaning of the season and how it applies to your life. Confession: Advent offers a special opportunity for spiritual renewal through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a chance to cleanse your heart in preparation for the Lord's coming. Acts of Charity: Advent is a time to serve others, especially those in need. This helps us focus less on           ourselves and more on others, and it reflects the love and generosity of the Christ we are preparing for. Fasting and Penance: While not as strict as during Lent, Advent can still be a time for penitential practices to deepen our spiritual life. This might involve small sacrifices or acts of self-discipline that help us focus on what really matters. Advent challenges us to make sure that our hearts are prepared to receive Christ, not only on Christmas but every day.

God bless everyone always!!!

Fr. Stan