Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The journey of Advent begins today. This is a season of preparation, of penance, and of joyful anticipation. In just twenty-five days, we will mark the great solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we look ahead, the Church reminds us of the necessity of also remaining rooted in the present moment so that our hearts and minds can be well-prepared to welcome our Lord.
Advent is a preparation. Just as a family expecting the birth of a child prepares space in the home for the baby, we too are called to make room in our hearts for Jesus. It is good for us to reflect on the things that might get in the way of our relationship with God and to be intentional about setting aside time for prayer. I urge you to make use of the Advent booklets available at the doors of the church, and to engage with the different Advent activities and resources we have access to here at St. Pius X. Additionally, I would like to encourage everyone to be deliberate about making time to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. On December 4, we have our next Eucharistic Revival night. Come and spend time with Jesus in Adoration. Our Adoration Chapel is open 24-hours a day, and even when the Blessed Sacrament is not exposed during the weekend hours, Jesus is still present in the tabernacle there. Stop in to visit and spend time with Him. Consider committing to an hour every week. As we give Jesus our time and our prayer, we prepare our hearts to receive Him.
Advent is a season of penance. Unlike Lent, when our penances are more directed to atoning for our sin, in Advent we are invited to a penance that helps us welcome the Lord. Just as an expecting mother might do without certain foods or drinks during her pregnancy, the sacrifice seems small in comparison to the gift of life she carries. In the same way, we can enter into penitential practice with joy. Advent is a great time to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we confess our sins, we also open our hearts to God’s gift of mercy. This means that Advent is also a season of mercy. Jesus comes to bring the mercy of God to the world. We who are the hands and feet of Christ are also called to share in this mercy. One easy way to be instruments of mercy is through our parish Advent Giving Tree. Take a tag, buy the corresponding gift, and return the gift and tag by December 8. Our Advent Giving Tree supports many local charitable organizations carrying out the works of mercy in our community.
Advent is a time of joyful anticipation. It is hard to miss the joy present all around us in this season. There is a coziness and nostalgia that is palpable in the decorations, the music, the food, and so much more that we experience in this time. Anticipation means that we know what is coming and with that knowledge, our eyes are fixed on what is to come. Join us for our Family Movie Night tonight (Dec. 1), and you will experience some of that joy and laughter as we watch The Star. But this joyful anticipation also requires a small warning. It would be easy to over-anticipate, that is, to begin celebrating Christmas now, rather than keeping in mind and in practice those things that allow us to enter into the mystery of God’s work in Advent. Yes, we should look forward to Christmas, but we should try as much as possible to stay in the preparation spirit of Advent, too. If there is any tendency toward instant gratification in our hearts, any dislike of waiting, any impatience, Advent is a beautiful season for us to find the remedy and to enter into the joy of waiting.
Peace,
Fr. Sam
