The second reading from Paul’s Epistle to the Romans for the beginning of the new Church year in Advent reminds us to stay awake. We are urged not to give in to the desires of the flesh but to remain ready, awake, and alert. At baptism, we put on the white garment that symbolizes our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God. We are called to put on the purity of Christ, emptying ourselves of what is sinful so that we may be filled with His grace.
Matthew’s Gospel echoes this same call to wakefulness, warning that at the final judgment some will be taken unexpectedly while awaiting the return of the Son of Man. Recalling the cleansing of the world in the time of the flood and Noah, and how this moment fits into the unfolding of salvation history leading to our Lord Christ Jesus, we are invited to reflect on the profound reality that everything prepares the way for His first coming. We must also be ready for His second coming, guided by this imagery of wakefulness.
The Jesse Tree is a wonderful Advent practice that helps us reflect on salvation history. Another meaningful practice is the lighting of the Advent wreath. The circle represents eternity, and the evergreen branches symbolize growth and life. The first candle represents hope, the second represents peace, the third pink candle represents joy, and the fourth represents love. Each candle reflects the light of Christ, the same guiding light symbolized by the star that shone in the night.
We are called to resist the lure and commercialization of the season and to begin with the true meaning of Advent, which means “to come.” When we prepare our hearts and minds in this way, we can joyfully echo the responsorial psalm on Christmas Day: “Let our hearts go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
Let us intentionally pause, slow down, and choose an Advent practice that prepares the way for the Christ Child to come. When we release our distractions and stop viewing the calendar as merely a countdown to Christmas, Advent becomes a season of emptying ourselves so that there is room in the inn of our hearts for the light of Christ to dwell. Only then will we be truly ready for His coming.
From the Collect or Entrance Prayer at Mass:
Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,
the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ
with righteous deeds at his coming,
so that, gathered at his right hand,
they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
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