Waiting with Expectation

12-03-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all! I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Today we begin a “new season called ‘Season of Advent’ in the new liturgical year of the Church. Advent is a season of hope and a period during which as Christians we await the fulfillment of the promise of God through his prophets. In addition to being a season of hope, it is equally, a season of patience and prayer. During these four weeks, we are expected to prepare for the birth of the messiah. It suffices to note that while we prepare physically, the most important must be the spiritual preparation.

In our first reading of today, Isaiah requests the Lord to return to us and save us. The psalm also asks God to look upon us and have mercy. The second reading calls us to remain steadfast in our discipleship. In the gospel, Jesus warns us to be watchful and alert. Jesus emphasizes the need for watchfulness. The Son of Man will come without warning; only the Father knows the exact hour. The disciples must not be caught unprepared
when this time comes. It reminds us that Advent is about more than our preparation for the Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas. Advent is also about preparing ourselves for Christ’s return in glory at the end of time.

Like the disciples, we must also stay alert and watchful. Our life is a long vigil, waiting for the Lord to be revealed in all his glory. Our faithfulness to God, through the good times as well as the difficult times, shows us to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man.

So, we wait with expectation and joyful hope because His is Spirit is with us. If we walk with him this season, God will not fail us. So, as the Spirit guides us, we must prepare prayerfully, through the help of the Sacraments. This is especially, through the sacrament of reconciliation.

Have a Happy and blessed Sunday!