Meditations for Advent HORIZON The First Sunday The season of Advent, which we begin again today, restores this horizon of hope, a hope which does not disappoint because it is founded on God s Word. A hope which does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful! Pope Francis, Angelus, December 1, 2013 OF HOPE You Do Not Know the Time Mark 13:33-37 Jesus tells his disciples to Be watchful! Be alert! because they do not know when the Lord will come. As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded that we, too, must be watchful as we wait for the coming of the Lord. Shutterstock.com, Above: Bridgeman Images giulio napolitano / Shutterstock.com There are two temptations behind today s Gospel. The first is to presume that since we have been waiting for so long the Second Coming won t be anytime soon and that we have more than enough time to get ready. The other is to assume the Second Coming is imminent and to live in fearful predictions of the end of days. But neither of these is the Catholic position. As Catholics, we use the opportunities of our daily lives to grow in our relationship with God, while still being aware that this world is not our final home. The season of Advent calls us to live in the present while looking forward to the future. We both celebrate the season of waiting while anticipating the happiness of Christmas. What am I waiting for this Advent? How can I make this Advent season a new beginning? POINTS TO PONDER How can I pay full attention to the grace of the present, while remembering the past and anticipating the future?
SIGNS OF THE SEASON Barbara Branches Barbara branches are named after Saint Barbara, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, whose feast we celebrate on December 4. (The Holy Helpers are a group of saints who are invoked for aid against disease.) On her feast day, a small branch from a fruit tree is placed in a vase and kept in a warm, well-lit area. According to the custom, if the branch flowers before Christmas Day, the family will have good fortune all year. Barbara branches call to mind the prophecy from Isaiah 11:1: A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. A modern variation on this tradition is to plant amaryllis or paperwhite narcissus bulbs early in December and watch them bloom for Christmas! HEROES OF HOPE SAINT NICHOLAS Saint Nicholas (280-343), the patron of children, was orphaned at an early age and raised by an uncle, and, like his uncle, he later became a bishop. After entering the priesthood, he became renowned for his charity and good deeds. Tradition says that he secretly filled the stockings or Feast Day: shoes of a few young women with enough money December 6 to ensure a decent dowry and marriage. This is the origin of our custom of hanging stockings at Christmas. In other parts of the world, on the eve of his feast day children put their shoes outside the door for him to fill with small treats. He is sometimes referred to as Nicholas the Wonderworker, because he is believed to be the cause of many miracles. Saint Nicholas, pray for us! For print use only. Copyright by Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Michael Heintz, Ph.D., Censor Librorum, Imprimatur Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, August 13, 2014 FAMILY FOCUS Advent Wreath An Advent wreath customarily has three purple candles, symbolizing penance and waiting, and one pink candle (for the third Sunday) representing hope. This year, consider adding a different-colored pillar candle in the center of the ring each week. On the first week, use a blue candle for the Old Testament prophets who heralded the coming of the Messiah. On the second Sunday, place a white candle for the angel Gabriel who announced the virgin birth. On the third Sunday, use a green candle for the shepherds who were watching their flocks in the field. Then, on the last Sunday, light a gold candle for the Magi who brought their precious gifts to the Christ child. Catechism CONNECTION 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 (cf. Rev 22:17). By celebrating the precursor s birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: He must increase, but I must decrease (Jn 3:30). Catechism of the Catholic Church, 524 ADVENT PRAYER Come, O Lord! For they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord s return to Zion. Isaiah 52:8 Lord, help us to wait with patience and anticipation, not caught up in the rush of the season, but resting in your ever-present love. Shutterstock.com photos
Meditations for Advent HORIZON The Second Sunday OF HOPE CNS photo, Above: Keith McIntyre / Shutterstock.com They Acknowledged Their Sins Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist appears in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah that a messenger would appear ahead of the Messiah. One of his messages was to acknowledge humanity s sinful nature and encourage repentance. This same call is extended to each of us this Advent. How can I use this Advent season as a POINTS TO PONDER way to grow more deeply in my faith? How long has it been since my last confession? Am I more caught up in the cultural expression of the holiday season than I am of the holy day season? The Jordan River runs through the hot and harsh landscape of the Judean desert. Why would John choose such a distant locale to proclaim the coming of the Messiah? Perhaps it is precisely because the area is so desolate. There, away from all the distractions of everyday life, the people were able to focus on what really mattered and acknowledge their own sinfulness. Stripped of all the comforts of home and family, they could look at their lives and feel the pressing need for salvation. Similarly, during this Second Week of Advent, we are called away from the lures that the season places before us to consider that God so loves each of us that he was willing to send his only son for our salvation. Advent is here. What a marvelous time in which to renew your desire, your nostalgia, your real longing for Christ to come for him to come every day to your soul in the Eucharist. The Church encourages us: Ecce veniet! He is about to arrive! Saint Josemaría Escrivá Thinkstock photo
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION The Immaculate Conception During the Second Week of Advent we celebrate one of the holy days of obligation December 8, the Immaculate Conception. Commemorating Mary s conception without the stain of original sin, this feast is an ideal time to renew our baptismal promises and remember that through our baptism we, too, are brought into new life with Christ. HEROES OF HOPE SAINT JUAN DIEGO Saint Juan Diego never expected to see the Virgin Mary as he walked the 15 miles to attend Mass on December 9, 1531. Much to his shock, a beautiful young woman dressed like an Aztec princess appeared to him and, speaking in his own language, told him to go to the bishop and request that a chapel be built on the hill where she was standing. When the bishop resisted, the young woman gave Juan Diego a sign roses blooming in winter which he gathered into his tilma, a long cloak. When he presented them to the bishop, an image of Our Lady miraculously appeared on the tilma. The image, which has not deteriorated over the centuries, is called Our Lady of Guadalupe. Saint Juan Diego, pray for us! For print use only. Copyright by Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Michael Heintz, Ph.D., Censor Librorum, Imprimatur Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, August 13, 2014 FAMILY FOCUS A Taste of the Season Special sweets are a part of many families Advent preparations. One all-time favorite is the candy cane with its distinctive red and white stripes. As you enjoy the peppermint flavor, explain to your family the meaning behind this sugary treat: The white base represents the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus. The red stripes indicate the blood shed by Jesus on the cross for our salvation. The J shape reminds us of the name of Jesus, as well as the staff of the Good Shepherd. Feast Day: December 9 Getty Images Thinkstock, Top left: The Crosiers SIGNS OF THE SEASON The Legend of the Poinsettia The brilliant red leaves of the poinsettia are a common decoration at this time of year. Its association with Christmas began many years ago when the story developed of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift for the Christ Child at Christmas. Her cousin Pedro told her that even the most humble gift given in love is a welcomed present. So, Pepita gathered a handful of weeds into a small bouquet. As she laid it at the foot of the crèche, it burst into blooms of red. From that day on, the poinsettia has also been known as the Flor de Nochebuena, or Flower of the Holy Night (Christmas Eve). ADVENT PRAYER Come, O Lord! Attend to the sound of my cry, my king and my God! For to you I will pray. Psalm 5:3 My God, I know that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. This Advent season, forgive me, wash away my sins, and make me whole again.
Meditations for Advent HORIZON The Third Sunday Make Straight the Way of the Lord John 1:7-8,19-28 When the priests and Levites demanded to know who John was, he didn t answer them in the way they wanted. Instead, he quoted Isaiah, saying that he was the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord. Throughout this Sunday s Gospel, we are reminded that we must be willing to embark on a journey if we want to come to the Faith. God sends John into the desert. The Jews from Jerusalem send priests and Levites to talk to John. The Pharisees send some of their own people to question him. And, finally, John says that the Messiah will be sent after him. Not only that, people had to travel out to the desert if they wanted to experience John s baptism of repentance. One of the lessons for this Third Week of Advent is that if we want to meet the Lord, we need to be willing to seek him. We must go out into the deserts of our lives with the expectation that we will find Jesus there. However, we must also be willing to see him. As John said, there is one among you whom you do not recognize. As we begin the final stages of Advent preparation, may we be witnesses to the light, and may our hearts and minds turn more fully to the coming of the Christ this week. OF HOPE Thinkstock photos Advent s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI), Seek That Which Is Above Agnus Images POINTS TO PONDER Where am I in my journey of faith this Advent? What are some ways that I can express the joy of Gaudete Sunday with my family and friends? What is one thing I can commit to praying about this Advent season?
ADVENT PRAYER Come, O Lord! In joy you shall go forth, in peace you shall be brought home. Isaiah 55:12 FAMILY FOCUS Advent Around the World Lord, lead me and I will follow! Catechism CONNECTION At the announcement that she would give birth to the Son of the Most High without knowing man, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with the obedience of faith, certain that with God nothing will be impossible : Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word. Thus, giving her consent to God s word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 494 HEROES OF HOPE SAINT LUCY Saint Lucy is one of only eight women saints mentioned by name in the Mass. Her name, Lucia, comes from the Latin word for light. Before the reform of the Gregorian calendar in the Middle Ages, her feast fell on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and heralded the return of longer, lighter days. Even now, she is associated with light and fire. In the Scandinavian countries, especially Norway and Sweden, on Saint Lucy s feast day, the youngest daughter of the family wears a crown of lighted candles (now often battery powered) and serves special rolls and cookies to her family at dawn. In parts of Italy, her feast is commemorated with homemade pasta and a dessert called cuccia, made of wheat berries in hot chocolate. Saint Lucy, pray for us! This year, add a little international flavor to your Advent with these family activities from around the world. INDIA Mango leaves are typically used for Advent decorations in India, and instead of decorating pines trees, mango and banana trees are trimmed. Add a bowl of mangoes and small white lights, which recall the Star of Bethlehem, to your table. PHILIPPINES Advent is marked by attending Mass nine days in a row (called Simbág Gabi, night mass, or Misas de Aguinaldo, gift Masses ), starting on December 16. If you can t make it to Mass all nine days, try to attend at least a few days of daily Mass. Feast Day: December 13 Shutterstock.com photos For print use only. Copyright by Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Michael Heintz, Ph.D., Censor Librorum, Imprimatur Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, August 13, 2014 EUROPE In Alpine countries, children carry a statue of Saint Joseph to a different home each night during Advent. Carry the statue of Joseph from your crèche to each child s room where it will spend the night and then move on the next day. On Christmas Eve, put Joseph next to Mary in the stable. SIGNS OF THE SEASON In the Pink Deep purple is the liturgical color for Advent except for the third Sunday, which is Gaudete Sunday. This week the liturgical vestments and the candle in the Advent wreath are a rosy pink to highlight the joy that the Lord s coming is almost here. The name derives from the Latin words of the Introit to the Mass: Gaudete in Domino semper; iterum dico, gaudete : Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!
Meditations for Advent HORIZON The Fourth Sunday OF HOPE Son of the Most High Luke 1:26-38 Mary said yes when Gabriel announced she had been chosen to be the mother of the Savior, even though she had no real idea of what lay ahead. She was willing to accept God s plan for her life. We think of the coming of Jesus as the greatest and most joyful event of history, but in this week s Gospel, we are told that Mary was greatly troubled when she saw the angel. Despite her misgivings, however, Mary accepted her destiny, saying, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. When we hear God s call in our lives, we may feel a bit uneasy or unprepared. Mary s story reminds us that when we say our yes to God s plan, we too will be given the strength and the courage to follow through. In these final days before Christmas, let us renew our commitment to accepting God s plan for our lives. Let us remember Saint Paul s admonition, in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thes 5:18), and rest in the words of the angel Gabriel, nothing will be impossible for God. POINTS TO PONDER Is there something in my life I am resisting? How can Mary s example help me become more accepting of God s plan? What can I do this last week of Advent to prepare myself for the mystery of Christmas? What habits or attitudes have I developed this Advent that I would like to take with me for the rest of the year? W.P. Wittman Ltd., Top left: Shutterstock.com The liturgy of Advent helps us to understand the fullness of the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, we must understand that our whole life should be an advent, in vigilant expectation of the Christ s final coming. Pope Saint John Paul II CNS Photo
SIGNS OF THE SEASON The Angel Gabriel The word angel means messenger. Angels figure prominently in the Christmas story, but only one of them is named: Gabriel. In fact, Gabriel, whose name means God is my strength, is one of only three angels named in the Bible (Michael and Raphael are the other two). Gabriel is present in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament he appears to the prophet Daniel, and in the New Testament he appears both to the Blessed Virgin and to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. ADVENT PRAYER Come, O Lord! I delight to do your will, my God; your Law is in my inner being. Psalm 40:9 Mary, help us to accept God s will for our lives, as you accepted the call to become the mother of the Savior. Bless us this holy season to live and love by following your son, Jesus. Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock.com The Crosiers FAMILY FOCUS Christmas Tree Decorating the Christmas tree used to be a Christmas Eve activity. While that isn t always practical, putting up a tree can still be a major celebration. As you bring out the ornaments, tell the stories behind some of the family favorites. Let each member of the family choose a favorite and hang it in a special place. When the tree is completely decorated, bless it with holy water and give thanks for family and friends, and especially for the great gift of Jesus. Catechism CONNECTION But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (Gal 4:4-5). This is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mk 1:1): God has visited his people. He has fulfilled the promise he made to Abraham and his descendants. He acted far beyond all expectation he has sent his own beloved Son (Mk 1:1; cf. Lk 1:55,68). Catechism of the Catholic Church, 422 HEROES OF HOPE SAINT PETER CANISIUS Shutterstock.com Advent is an ideal time of year to talk about the Faith and invite those who do not believe to consider the mystery of God-made-man in Jesus Christ. It is fitting that we celebrate the feast of Saint Peter Canisius this week, because he was a great evangelist. Feast Day: A Jesuit preacher during the time of the December 21 Protestant reformation, he became a major factor in the restoration of the Catholic Church in Germany. Like Pope Francis, he believed in treating those who disagree with the teaching of the Church with kindness and patience. His devotion to Mary was a hallmark of his ministry, and he is credited with adding the words Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners to the Hail Mary. Saint Peter Canisius, pray for us! For print use only. Copyright by Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Michael Heintz, Ph.D., Censor Librorum, Imprimatur Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, August 13, 2014