Advent Time

The Church has arrived at the beginning of Advent Time!!! This is a joyful time for us, as well as a penitential time, because we are preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ, not just at Christmas, but his glorious return. The readings for this First Sunday of Advent speak of the days that are to come. Of course, no one knows the day nor the hour, only the Father. We are all in God's hands and we are living on God's time, so the call to be ready and prepared is with us every day of our lives. The Church gives that preparation special attention during this Advent Time. Since we do not know when these events will take place, we need to live our lives and our faith to the fullest. As the commentator writes, "In the apocalyptic tradition, the signs of Christ's coming at the end of time are terrifying spectacles of nature. In the sacramental vision, the signs of Christ's coming in daily life are the kind of acts of love described in the Word of God for this morning's prayer. Let us be vigilant to see Christ in whatever good is done for us and to make him manifest in the good we do for others" (Magnificat, 39-40). This is a special Advent since it is coming during the Year of Faith. May this be a special time to renew our efforts in living our faith, our call to holiness, and following the Lord has his close disciples. Have a blessed first Sunday of Advent!!!