Prayer of the Day

First Sunday of Advent

The liturgical or Church year begins on the first Sunday of Advent.  It is a season,  not as strongly penitential in character,  as Lent.   November,  the proximity of Christmas joy should not eliminate the penitential spirit of Advent.  The opening Gospel of today is the parable of the doorkeeper.  It is the story of watching through the dark hours of night.  It speaks of being alert and watchful like the servants charged by the Master going abroad,  and like the doorkeeper to be vigilant,  lest he catches them slacking in their responsibilities or asleep when he returns.  Vigilance makes us ready for anything.  In Advent,  the Church links the celebration of Christ’s Incarnation with our need to look towards and prepare for his second coming in glory.  The Holy Spirit works with great power when we turn to him in expectant faith.  The beginning of a new year in the life of the Church,  is a good time to do this.   May we experience change of heart,  an interior softening to the work of the Holy Spirit,  turning us away from darkness and bringing us to a greater awareness of God’s love and forgiveness.   Advent brings the grace to hope.  Advent is full of the desire for divine beauty.  Advent strengthens us to wait on God in patience.