"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap…Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21: 34-36)
Happy New Year! As we enter into this new liturgical year, we might ask ourselves…how should I enter into Advent? How should I live out this season of anticipation of the coming of Jesus in my own life? Jesus gives us the how today—be vigilant and pray. To be vigilant is to give careful watch for what is to come. To pray is to encounter, to share time and life in relationship with our God.
Advent is a time of deep reflection and conversion, a time to meditate on the enduring love God has for His people. This period of waiting offers an opportunity to focus on our personal relationship with Christ and cling ever so closely to Him. The prophets encourage us to be present to the Lord so that we may recognize Him in all things. It can be exhausting, even painful, during this period of waiting. Let us not be distracted by the sounds and smells of the holiday season or by trivial matters, but in hope let us faithfully accompany our Blessed Mother as we await the coming of the Lord (2025 Sourcebook).
As we await His coming, please be mindful of the Advent opportunities that lie ahead…
Make a special effort to come to St. Francis on December 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the church for: An Evening with Bishop Woost – “Contemplative Prayer and Mystical Living.” One of my favorite classes I ever took in the seminary Bishop Woost’s class on Christian Mysticism. I hope you can come and take time to learn more about the impact of contemplative prayer in your life!
A blessed Advent to all,
Fr. Jeremy
PS An Advent challenge to parents and grandparents: as you drop your kids off to school in the morning, come to 8:15 a.m. daily Mass and pray with us! Peace!
