Are you ready for Christmas?

Traditionally Advent was a time of penance in preparation for Christmas.  Patrick Kavanagh spoke of the time as “Advent darkened room and sugarless tea”.  For many this season of waiting in hope has become a busy time of shopping and parties, in themselves our way of celebrating the festive season but what a pity if a wave of commercialism and socialising carried us along without allowing ourselves to get in touch with the sacred moment of the birth of Christ.

Advent is an invitation to appreciate the gift of life that is unique to each of us.  Christmas is that wonderful moment of the Divine Promise entering into human history through the Christ Child born in the simplicity and poverty of a cowshed, but especially into our human nature.

St. Bernard speaks about the three comings of Christ:  the first coming which we celebrate at Christmas, the last coming at the end of time.  The other coming is hidden within us, his people.  The readings of to-day reflect these comings.  The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a time of recovery for his people, a promise of new life, a new mission based on honesty and integrity in the land. 

The Gospel reading speaks about the end of the world, the end is inevitable but we are asked to “stay awake”, praying at all times.  Our second reading (1 Thess) speaks about the life of the believer in the present moment.  This is the “other” coming of St. Bernard, that moment of “Divine Promise” in my life experienced by allowing myself to be open to the sacred moment of God within me.  This sacred moment is reflected through a genuine love and standing blameless before God.  Can I be open to the invitation given in the Advent preface, “Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours, when Christ our Lord comes in glory”?

Fr. Brian Moore, C.M.

Advent Corner

We begin a season of Christian hope as we await the celebration of the birth of our Saviour. Each day of Advent is a stepping stone on our journey to Christmas and each day is a sacred moment of preparation.

Advent Week 1.

Monday: Is 2:1-5  Mt 8:5-11

To-day is a day of hope when all are called to worship God whose Son we are awaiting. It is also a day of hope as Jesus heals the servant of the centurion who expresses his faith in Jesus in the prayer we pray before receiving Holy Communion.

Tuesday: Is 11:1-10  Lk  10:21-24

Isaiah foretells the future of a society where justice and reconciliation will prevail. The way of Jesus in heaven and earth will be revealed to all.

Wednesday: Is 25:6-10  Matt. 15:29-37

An invitation to the “Heavenly Banquet”, that call to communion on earth and that call to eternal happiness in heaven. Jesus feeds the multitudes as he foretells the call to the Eucharist.

Thursday: Is 26:1-6  Matt 7:21, 24-27

This Lord is an “everlasting rock” who will rescue his people especially in difficult times. We open ourselves to the Fathers love by listening to God’s Word and doing the will of God.

Friday: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26

The difficulties of the past will be left behind as we believe in a God that is healer and teacher.  Jesus shows compassion to the people.  His “Good News” brings about healing of body, soul and spirit.

Fr. Brian Moore, CM

3rd December 2006