A time of renewal, conversion and hope
Advent begins on the first Sunday of December and runs until the eve of the Nativity of Jesus, counting four Sundays. It is a time of hope, of being alert and vigilant to welcome the Lord Who comes. Time to walk in the hope of the One who comes to bring us salvation.
The Christian Christmas is the light of hope that is kindled in the hearts of those who love God and welcome him with a sincere heart. Let us walk in the light of Advent and transform our hearts into a manger of love to welcome Christ who comes, exclaiming: “Come, Lord Jesus”.
Dear brothers and sisters, the season of Advent is divided into two parts: the first two weeks are for meditating on the coming of the Lord in the last times, while the next two weeks are for reflecting concretely on the birth of Jesus and his coming in his humanity to be one of us.
In the season of Advent, an appeal is made to Christians to live more deeply some specific practices, such as:
- Vigilance in faith, in prayer, in the search to recognize the Christ who comes in events and in our brothers and sisters;
- Conversion, seeking to mend one’s own ways and walk in the ways of the Lord, to follow Jesus towards the Kingdom of the Father;
- The witness to the joy that Jesus brings, through a patient and affectionate charity towards others;
- Availability to God´s action in our lives, like Mary and Joseph;
- Joy, in the happy expectation of the Christ who comes and in the invincible certainty that He does not fail.
The season of Advent is a time of hope because Christ is our hope. (1 Tim 1-1) Hope is the renewal of all things. In the face of life’s difficulties and tribulation, hope is liberation from our miseries, sins and weaknesses.
Dear sisters and brothers, it is necessary that we prepare the way of the Lord, bringing Christ to our brothers and sisters in order to sanctify them in their own lives.
The Gospel of St. Luke 1; 26-38
We find the announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary at a profound moment. Mary’s response to divine revelation is humble acceptance, but also an example of faith and obedience to the Father. The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, that she will conceive and give birth to a son, who will be named Jesus. This announcement is extraordinary for several reasons: Mary’s virginity, the promise of conception through the Holy Spirit, and the declaration that her son would be the promised Messiah, the son of the Most High.
Mary’s answer is: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.” It means that Mary showed the Lord her openness to collaborate with God. It also offers a powerful testimony of human faith and obedience to God. Mary´s response reflects a deep humility and a willingness to accept God’s will. Her acceptance is not passive, but an active choice to trust and cooperate with the divine plan. Mary´s response to the Angel shows a willingness to believe the impossible and a readiness to act on that belief.
Today, Mary, our model, calls us to open our hearts to receive the Child Jesus with joy. Mary is also our model of discipleship. She responds to God’s call with faith and courage, setting an example for all followers of Christ. She, in her humility and strength, invites us to reflect on our own response to Grace and God’s call in our lives.
My dear sisters and brothers, just as God needed Mary’s yes to be the Mother of Jesus, today, He also needs our yes to be able to be born and manifest Himself to the world. Just as Mary prepared for the birth of Jesus, we need to prepare ourselves to experience his birth in ourselves and in the world.
Novice Ester Antonio
