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December 1, 2023These words mean “the coming of the Lord.” Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas, as well as the return of Jesus at the second coming. Of course, we talked about and prayed about the Last Coming of Jesus during the month of November, but we are going to talk and pray about it again in Advent!
In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the readings of Mass on the Sundays of Advent have distinct themes:
On the First Sunday of Advent, the readings look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus. On the Second Sunday of Advent, the Gospel recalls the preaching of St. John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way of the Lord; the other readings have associated themes. On the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), the Gospel is again about St. John the Baptist, the other readings about the Joy associated with the coming of the Savior. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Gospel is about the events involving Mary and Joseph that led directly to the birth of Jesus, while the other readings are related to these.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux famously wrote that there are three “comings” in the life of Jesus and in the lives of all of us who follow Him: The first coming was at Christmas, when God became man. The second coming is by grace, when Jesus comes to us in His Word and in the Holy Eucharist, and a million other ways He works in our lives. And the final coming will be the Last Coming when Jesus comes again on the clouds of Heaven surrounded by His angels at the end of the world. So, Jesus comes to us in history, in mystery and in majesty!
The themes of Advent are waiting patiently with joy; generosity to the poor and preparing our hearts.
Advent is a semi-penitential season, if I can say it that way, so we are invited to pray, fast and give alms as part of our preparation for the coming of Jesus. The priest will wear purple, which is the color of a penitential season.
The patron saints of Advent are St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph and of course, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
I love Advent. I love this idea that we are all waiting together with Joy for Jesus to come. Waiting, but also joyfully preparing.
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
