Today the liturgical calendar turns a new page, ushering us into the season of Advent. It s a time of expectant waiting, a season marked by hope and anticipation. Advent invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. It is a season of preparation, a time when we turn our hearts towards the coming of Christ. It s a season that calls us to reflect on
our lives, to examine our hearts, and to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary.
In Paul s First Letter to the Thessalonians we are reminded of the urgency of Christ’s return. St. Paul exhorts us to live holy and blameless lives, eagerly awaiting the Lord’s coming. This call to vigilance and holiness is a constant theme throughout the Advent season. Yes, these first three weeks of Advent are focused on our being prepared to encounter the coming of Christ.
As we embark on this Advent journey together, let us reflect on the meaning of hope. Hope is not merely a wishful thinking or a passive expectation. It is an active trust in God’s promises, a belief that God is working in our lives, even when we cannot see or recognize it. Advent is a time to cultivate hope, to renew our faith, and to deepen our love for God. It is a season to let go of the burdens of the past and embrace the promise of the future. Let us use this time of conversion in Christ by repenting of our sins and turn to God with open hearts, allowing the love of God to transform us more and more into the likeness of Christ our Savior.
As we await the coming of Christ, let us also remember His coming is not merely a future event: Jesus Christ is present in our lives today, in the Eucharist, in the Word, and in our neighbor. By encountering Christ in these ways we can experience the joy and peace of Advent, even in the midst of our daily struggles. May this Advent season be a time of grace and renewal for us all.
May we embrace the hope that Christ brings, and may we be ready to welcome Him in our hearts and lives. May this Advent season be a time of a profound spiritual awakening for us all. And may we embrace the spirit of hope and anticipation, giving praise and glory to God our Father by walking and acting in the ways of Jesus Christ our Lord.
St. Jude, pray for us
~ Blessings and Joy,
Fr. Ryan