Advent, a New Year of Grace This weekend the Church begins a new Liturgical Year. For many, the idea of a liturgical year means the sanctuary has different colors, the priests will wear different vestments, and the music may change, a bit. For the vast majority of people these next 4 weeks are the lead time we need to get ready for December 25th. But the Liturgical Year means so much more if we break it open. In the document, Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, the church speaks to us: “Holy Church celebrates the saving work of Christ on prescribed days in the course of the year with sacred remembrance…during the different periods of the liturgical year, in accord with traditional discipline; the Church completes the education of the faithful by means of both spiritual and bodily devotional practices, instruction, prayer, works of penance and works of mercy.” (#1) Our Liturgical Year is so much more then the colors we deck the Church and clergy in…it teaches us each day the mystery of Christ, the Lord, and the mission of His Church. Advent begins the year by reminding us that as disciples of the Lord we must look for his coming in glory. Yes, to enjoy recalling his first coming, in Bethlehem, among the shepherds and angels, and the music that fills our homes, but it will be Christ’s Second coming that will being true peace and unity for all people. Therefore, each year we begin by reminding ourselves that Jesus will come again, and we must be ready. So how do we keep watch, again the Liturgical year gives us the readings of daily Mass, the Sunday readings, and the various feast days and practices of Advent that help us along the way. Some of these practices have been lost due to our busy schedules. But we can rediscover them again, and adapt them to our daily lives: 1) The Advent Calendar, you can find one in any store. Most often they are developed for children, but some calendars can help to keep our focus on the season…especially those with scripture passages. Readings taken from the Lectionary for Advent, all reminding us to staying awake and watchful for Christ. 2) Another take on the Calendar is the Advent Jar. A simple jar pre-prepared with notes on acts of charity, short prayers, and penitential practices of how our spirit needs to be prepared for the coming of Christ. 3) The Advent wreath is a favorite. Each candle lighted during family prayer time can be a useful tool to share the symbol of Christ as our light. Sharing family stories of faith can take on extra blessings bath in the light of Advent candles… 4) The parish’s Advent Penance Service or making time to go to confession is a wonderful way to prepare our souls, for Christ’s coming. 5) Special Feast days give us a deeper meaning, to how the Saints watched for Christ, in their lives and times. December 6th, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, although to many he has been transformed into Santa Clause, St. Nicholas was a bishop, who loved his people so much that his every actions was to protect them and care for them. December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the feast that reminds us of how much God the Father loves us, that he prepared Mary to be the mother of his Son, and how Mary by her obedience brought Christ into the world. December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, reminds us how God, through His Mother, will be with us in all our struggles and joys. December 13, the Feast of Saint Lucy, Lucia, which means light; a young woman, dedicated to Christ suffered martyrdom, but by her actions she was a light to many seeking truth, wisdom, and found Christ. These are just a few activities and days that may help us keep the spirit of Advent this December. Even in the malls or on line as we do what needs to be done by December 24th…our sacred readings, our prayers, our special days all help us to be watchful and prepared for Christ will come…maybe not in Glory, but He will come to you…I hope you will see Him and greet Him this Advent. God bless….
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 23:46:26 +0000
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