Advent means “coming” in Latin. We celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world, and we see Advent as a time to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
Our Advent coming can be defined in three time frames. The first happened more than 2,000 years age when Jesus came into the world as a baby to live as a human and to die for us. The second happens as Christ wants to come into our lives now. The third will happen in the future when Christ comes again.
Advent prepared us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the Sunday readings heightened the urgency, anticipation and vigilance while we waited. They also inspired us to rejoice and be glad. On the first Sunday, the Responsorial challenges us with: “To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.” (Psalm 25)
On the second Sunday, the first reading from Baruch affirmed God’s awesomeness by using royal imagery. Divine majesty was explicitly connected with justice as God is wrapped in a “cloak of justice.” The second reading from the Letter to the Philippians built on the idea of justice. Paul prays for the community as partners with God who create a just society by embracing and living out the Gospel message of love.
Advent is a perfect time to be intentional in trying to improve, to grow mentally and spiritually, and to help to create a just society that reflects God’s kingdom.
During Advent (and always) as Catholics, we must remain aware of the many injustices that plague the world and find ways to address and alleviate suffering. We are empowered to help create a just society, not simply by praying for divine justice to take effect but by promoting justice.
In the Gospel of Luke (3:10-18), we heard about John the Baptist. “The crowds asked John the Baptist, ‘What should we do?’ He said to them in reply, ‘Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.’”
John’s answer is not simply proclaiming the arrival but challenging people to live righteously. His ministry emphasizes repentance and forgiveness of sins through action. Similarly, Christ challenges Peter in John 21:15-17 to “feed my lambs … tend my sheep … feed my sheep.”
The important message was that helping others is not just an Advent event or end-of-the-year tax credit. The needs exist all year,
Epiphany, the Feast of The Three Kings, is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6 and recognizes the manifestation of God in Jesus. It is a time to consider how Jesus fulfilled his destiny and how we can fulfill ours.
Many opportunities exist to share what we have with those in need – to tend and feed them spiritually, emotionally and materially. Consider supporting the many Catholic Charites in the diocese (St. Francis Evangelization Center, St. Lawrence Haven, Catholic Social Services, Bishop Griffin Resource Center, St. Stephen’s Community House, Holy Family Soup Kitchen, St. Francis Center Portsmouth, St. Vincent Family Center, J.O.I.N. and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul). Year-round wish lists can be found on their websites.
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the Magi and the peace of the Christ child. May God bless you during this holy season and throughout the year.