Awaken from your slumber!
As we gather to celebrate the Eucharist on this first Sunday of Advent, we
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
enter into a special season of preparation and anticipation. It is illuminated by the
single flame of our newly blessed Advent wreath. The Advent wreath adorned
with its first lit candle is a beacon in the growing darkness and signifies the
beginning of our journey toward the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The four candles on the wreath symbolize the four weeks of Advent, a time
when we prepare our hearts and minds for the joyous celebration of the birth of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As each candle is gradually kindled, we are
prompted to reflect upon the journey of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that Advent
encompasses
The circular form of the wreath is a representation of the eternal nature of
God. It reminds us that He is without beginning or end and that His love for us is
everlasting. In this season, we are awakened from our spiritual slumber and
attentively prepare ourselves for the coming of our Savior. However, the call to
wake up can often be met with resistance. Just as we sometimes hit the snooze
button upon hearing the alarm clock in the morning, we can be inclined to
disregard the spiritual alarm that Advent sounds in our hearts. In the Gospel,
Jesus urges us to remain vigilant and guard against complacency and
carelessness.
Our Lord desires to enter our lives with His divine light and abundant
blessings. He longs to heal the darkness of our sins and foster reconciliation
among ourselves and with Him. He yearns to be present within our families so
that we may experience His unconditional love, boundless joy, and profound
peace in our relationships.
Staying awake and vigilant in prayer is the key to unlocking these divine
blessings. Through this steadfast commitment, we invite Jesus into our homes,
hearts, and lives. Lighting the candles of the Advent wreath and praying together
as a family may seem small and humble, but the rewards that Jesus bestows
upon us are immeasurable.
As we journey through this sacred season of Advent, let us be mindful of the
importance of remaining awake and vigilant. Let us dedicate ourselves to prayer,
cultivating a deepening relationship with our Lord. May the flickering flame of the
first Advent candle serve as a beacon of Hope, guiding us toward the imminent
arrival of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Dear brothers and sisters, amid the busyness and distractions that often
accompany this time of year, may we find moments of stillness and silence to
listen attentively to the voice of God. Let us welcome this Advent season with
open minds, hearts, and hands, ready to receive the Peace, Joy and Love that
the coming of Jesus promises. May this Advent be a time of profound spiritual
renewal for all of us, filled with the blessings of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.