Advent – a Season Preparing our Hearts for Jesus
Tuesday 24 November 2015
Welcome Advent 2015! It is a season of longing for the coming of the Savior. We celebrate the coming of the Savior in three ways. We prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. We long for the second coming of Christ at the end of time. Advent reminds us that one day we will meet our Savior and our life on earth is to be a time of preparation for that encounter. Finally, Advent reminds us that the risen Christ comes into our lives each day. We are to open our lives to Christ each day and allow Him to come into our hearts and lives.
There are many ways to live out Advent. John the Baptist proclaims the importance of repentance. Advent reconciliation gives us a chance to reflect on those actions and behaviors that God is calling us to turn away from. It will give us a chance to commit to changing the sinful patterns and behaviors as we move ahead in our celebration of Advent. Another suggestion could be that one may individually or as a family reflect on the readings from the Mass of the day. The readings of the Mass are chosen to fit in with the themes of Advent. Therefore one of the best ways of entering into the spirit of the season is to reflect on the Mass readings. Of course it is especially valuable to pray over the readings for Sunday Mass. Also, Advent is a time of doing good for others. The Gospel speaks about bearing fruit. Advent is a time of helping others in concrete ways. How do we as individuals and as families help others during this holy season? It is not only buying gifts for the poor but also learning the importance of doing good through involving in service.
A Holy Season is holy only when we put our valuable time and energy into the season. We pray that we all grow closer to the Lord in this season and that our prayers and actions of this season help us to experience more deeply Christmas joy.
I wish you all a grace-filled season of advent.
Fr. Joe