Let’s prepare not just our homes but also our inner selves.
This week starts The New Liturgical Year, the Advent season, a time of
profound spiritual significance and hope. The Prophet Jeremiah’s words echo in
our hearts, “The days are coming, says the Lord when I will fulfill the promise I
made to the house of Israel and Judah.” This promise is an assurance that God
remains faithful to His people. In this season of anticipation, we are called to
ponder God’s promises and how they unfold in our lives.
Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, we find ourselves amidst the chaos of
Christmas: shopping, decorating, and planning, which can easily overwhelm us.
In our desire to create the perfect holiday experience, we may lose sight of the
deeper meaning behind the season. In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us, “Beware
that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the
anxieties of daily life.” We are cautioned to remain vigilant about our spiritual
lives. Advent is a time for deep introspection. Are we creating space for
reflection, prayer, and connection with God? As we adorn our homes with lights
and decorations, let us illuminate our hearts with faith, love, and gratitude.
One way to be connected with the true spirit of this season is through the
Two-Year Bible Reading Program we have recently started. This program allows
us to immerse ourselves in Scripture. Whether we are exercising, driving, or
simply spending time at home, listening to God’s Word can transform mundane
moments into opportunities for profound spiritual growth. As we journey through
the Bible, we can deepen our understanding of God’s promises and His
unwavering presence in our lives.
In this context, Advent becomes more than just a countdown to Christmas; it
becomes a spiritual exercise in preparation and awakening. By committing to
daily Scripture readings we cultivate a receptive mindset to God’s voice. We
learn to recognize His presence in our lives, even amidst the clamor of the
holiday season. This practice can help us align our hearts with the true meaning
of Advent – anticipating the birth of Christ and reflecting on what that means for
our lives and our communities.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate this first Sunday of Advent, let us
embrace the season as a time of preparation, reflection, and connection.
Through the promises of Jeremiah, the caution of Jesus, and our commitment to
Scripture, we can foster a deeper awareness of our hearts and a readiness to
welcome Christ into our lives. May we create a space within ourselves and our
families open to love and grace. As we journey through Advent, let us remember
that it is not just about the external celebrations but about nurturing the birth of
Christ within us and in our communities.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor