The Holy Season of Advent Begins
Tomorrow begins a new liturgical year and the holy season of Advent.
The Catechism reminds us that Advent is not just a period marking the coming of Christ in humility at His Nativity but also a time to awaken our hearts to His glorious second coming at the end of time.
The Catechism (§524) states: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.” There is a dual dimension of Advent. Firstly, it calls us to remember and enter into the long history of anticipation, as experienced by the prophets and the people of Israel who awaited the Messiah. This historical waiting is made present to us in the liturgy, allowing us to share in the joy and hope that characterized the centuries of expectation. Secondly, and more personally, this season urges us to renew our own longing for Christ’s return. It’s an invitation to rekindle our desire for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
Advent becomes a time to reflect on our readiness to meet Christ, not only as the child in the manger but also as the returning King in glory.
Over the next four weeks, my hope is to offer daily, brief reflections around the themes of anticipation, hope, and preparation that are central to this liturgical season. I will use the daily Mass Collects for the Advent reflections.
Why the Mass Collects?
The Mass Collect prayer profoundly shapes the spiritual, theological, and liturgical dimensions of the Mass. Spiritually, it gathers the community's intentions into one vocalized petition. Theologically, it captures the essence of the readings and feast day in a succinct prayer to God. Liturgically, it marks the transition from the introductory rites to the Liturgy of the Word, collecting the assembly in communal prayer as an important presidential prayer guiding the celebration. In its brevity and placement, the Collect unpacks great significance, focusing the community's prayer and orienting the Mass to reverently encounter Christ in Word and Sacrament.
My aim is deepen our understanding of this 'ancient expectancy' and how it speaks into our lives today; how the anticipation of Christ's birth in history opens our hearts to His presence in our daily lives and how it turns our gaze towards His glorious return. In doing so, we will seek to renew our own ardent desire for Christ, allowing the spirit of Advent to transform our waiting into a time of spiritual growth and deeper communion with God.
Please share The Call to Holiness with Others
Invite others on this Advent journey. Let us enter into a time of preparation and expectation, as we await with renewed hope and joy the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in the mystery of Christmas.