Already we are moving into the second week of Advent. With the beginning of Advent a week ago we began a new liturgical year. Advent is an especially lovely season as we prepare for the coming of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ. Our minds can so easily be distracted during this time with all the various things connected with Christmas. But, it is a time when we hear and see God’s love, a time when we want to share that love with our families, communities and friends.
Advent comes from the Latin word for an "arrival" or a "coming." Advent means the Lord is coming. Jesus Christ, our brother in our humanity and our God in his divinity is about to arrive. First Jesus came at a specific time in history at Bethlehem. In the feast of his coming at Christmas we recall that event, but we also prepare for his coming again in mystery. We know that at his coming again at the end of time he will come to judge. And of course the Lord comes to us again and again in grace. He comes to us especially in the Eucharist and in the Word of God proclaimed. He comes also in the person of the beggar, the needy, the suffering, the oppressed, the person we ignore, the person we love. We must be ready to receive and welcome him when he comes, however he comes.
Advent is mostly a time of joy. At the same time it has a note of penance about it since we need to be properly disposed to receive so great a gift of his presence. St. John the Baptist told the people of his time, and he tells us, to prepare for his coming by turning away from sin, doing penance for our sins and thus preparing ourselves to recognize the Lord when he comes.
May this Advent be for all you oblates and all of us, a time of preparation, a time of hope and a time to look forward to Jesus coming again into our lives.
Most of you know that Brother Mark Kosiba, O.S.B., died last week. We had his funeral on Friday, December 4. Please keep him in prayer.
The picture of the Advent wreath is the wreath placed sort of in the middle of the campus here at Conception, just in front of the entrance to St. Joseph Hall. You can see the St. Joseph statue there.
To read Fr. Kenneth’s personal blog click here.