Christ’s saving work is celebrated in sacred memory by the Church on fixed days and periods throughout the year. During the different seasons of the liturgical year, the Church, in accord with tradition al discipline, carries out the formation of the faithful by means of devotion al practices, both interior and exterior, instructions, and works of penance and mercy.
Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance direct the mind and heart to wait Christ second coming at the end of time. Advent is thus, a period of devout and joyful expectation.
John the Baptist is ‘more than a prophet.’ In him the Holy Spirit concludes his speaking through the prophets. In fact, John completes the cycle of prophets began by Elijah. John said, “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John was the last chapter of messianic prophesies.
John’s message is simple as he concludes in the gospel what the prophet Isaiah started in the first reading from the Old Testament, a voice of one crying in the wilderness, “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” It’s time for a RESET!
Have you considered whether your mind is open and free to explore the path that God has set for you? Or are you going through life like your brain is chained? My dear, free your mind and you will create a mental and spiritual environment for yourself.
Yes, it’s time for a reset! Examine yourself. Know what you believe. Know your ideas. Know what you stand for and know what has shaped your beliefs and ideas.
It may be time to deepen your spiritual roots. Change your spiritual influence. Just because you are religious doesn’t mean that you don’t need to update your faith intake. Listen, feeding your spirit is much like gassing up for a long trip.
I want to encourage you to begin to hang-out more with people who can help you think and recharge. In fact, I would say, quit taking advise from people you don’t want to be. Engage in activities that can really help you mentally and spiritually. Start doing things that add value to your life. Listen, you will never discover what else you are, if you stay in one place. This truth is, people put a “period” where God put just a “comma.” I think you are more than you know.
Take a close look at your daily schedule, are you spending your time wisely or are you wasting your time? Why not make a chart and see what you do more, what you do less and what you don’t do at all. Remember, every day is a withdrawal from the bank of time.
May the graces of Advent help us realize what really matters in our lives.
Fr. Abraham