First Week of Advent

Happy New Year!  It is the liturgical New Year for the Church! 

For Advent we begin the preparation of the season of the Incarnation.  During this season we are reminded that Christ not only came in history, but also comes in mystery - at every validly celebrated Mass - and will come again in majesty.  

We are reminded that the world will end, and Christ - in majesty - will come to judge the living and the dead.  No man knows the hour, or even the day, month or year of this coming - but we know He will come again as He promised.  While we do not know the exact timing of His coming, we were told to watch for the signs - and we may be seeing them.  We are not to be overly anxious for knowing the day, we should live each day as if it is today.  Be prepared, as the 5 wise virgins - and not ill-prepared as the 5 foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).  Keep in mind, the 5 foolish virgins were "believers" but were not ready for the time when the Bridegroom came.  While they were gone to get more oil, the Bridegroom came and they found themselves locked out of the Wedding Feast.

This week we look forward in HOPE of his coming.  The season is in anticipation of both His first and second comings.  I recently posted on Faith, Hope and Charity - and that Hope tends to be the weakest of the three, not getting exercised as much.  In this week of the liturgical year we are especially reminded to have HOPE and exercise that hope!

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