The season of Advent

An Advent message from the Vice-President Father Anthony Casamento csma:

Last Sunday, the Church enters in the season of Advent. Advent is the beginning of the Church's liturgical year and our season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Advent prepares us to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ birth as we consider the mystery of the incarnation, anticipate His second coming at the end of time and look for the ways Jesus is born in our lives each day.

Yet, we often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas.  Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

Advent is a time to recognize both our holy longing and the healing love God has for us, despite the many barriers we put up between ourselves and God.  God waits with infinite love and with arms outstretched to meet us. The words we say don't matter. We can speak as if God is a friend we have not seen in a long time, but one with whom we can sit in a comfortable silence.  It's just about taking the first step. Even if we are fearful about this next step, we can say to God what is in our hearts.

In this Advent season, let us all take the risk to make the first step to find our way back home.

Loving God, we don't have the right words. We are not sure where to begin, but we know you are the hope and promise of the peace to come in our lives. Be with us this day. Let us look at our lives and our day today and open our hearts completely as we begin, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!"

Fr Anthony Casamento csma
Vice President