Pastoral Message – December 3, 2023
This weekend we begin the season of Advent. It is a season rich in meaning, and filled with wonderful reminders of why we are here and what we celebrate at this festive time of the year.
The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” Specifically, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world. There are three important ways that Jesus comes to us, and Advent calls us to celebrate all three.
Clearly, we are preparing to commemorate Jesus’ birth, which we will celebrate on Christmas Day and (hopefully) throughout the Christmas season. Preparing to celebrate this coming of the Lord means that, in addition to the material trappings of this season, we are also in tune spiritually with one of the most blessed of our Christian solemnities.
We are also preparing for the return of Jesus in glory at the end of time. In numerous Gospel passages the Lord speaks of his return, and often he speaks about the need for us to be prepared to meet him. Although this attitude of readiness is important all year long, Advent is a privileged season to be mindful of the Lord’s return, knowing that it could happen any time.
In between these two ways in which the Lord comes to us, there is also his coming to us in grace: the share we have in his life, which comes to us in the sacraments and is strengthened in us whenever we say “yes” to God’s will. Clearing away any obstacles to the Lord’s presence within us is a big part of living the Advent season fruitfully.
Three figures are especially prominent in the Scripture passages given to us by the Church’s liturgy during this season. The prophet Isaiah, who supplies the first reading for many of our Masses at this time, speaks strongly and eloquently about the coming of the Messiah. Reading the Book of the Prophet Isaiah helps us appreciate the loving, saving work of Jesus in our lives. Secondly, the preaching of John the Baptist, who echoes Isaiah in saying, “Prepare the way of the Lord,” inspires us in our Advent preparation. Finally, the Blessed Virgin Mary is an important Advent figure. Her preparation for the Lord’s birth will be appreciated especially by the mothers in our community, who know what it is like to be expecting a child. Mary’s “yes” to the will of God shows all of us how we bring the Lord into our lives and our world: by saying “yes” to God’s will.
Let’s make the most of this Advent season, so that we will truly be prepared for the coming of the Lord to our world and to our souls.
Fr. Philip
