Word for Word 11/29/23

A blessed, fruitful and happy Advent to everyone! Next Sunday we begin the season of Advent. The word advent comes from the Latin “Adventus” meaning “coming”. It is to be a time or season of spiritual preparation: preparing for the coming of the Messiah. Thus, we enter the weeks of advent as a time of anticipation and expectation, of hope and of joy, of light and of peace, of waiting and of promise fulfilled.

Pope John Paul II [pope from 1978-2005] said: “Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.” Therefore, my friends and neighbors, let us prepare the way of the Lord into our hearts, our souls, and into our daily lives. The advent season invites us to discover anew God’s presence with us; we are to learn the ways to be “on the lookout” daily for the Lord.

How might we do this? 1. Spending more time in prayer; 2. Asking God for forgiveness; 3. Sharing our joys with family members, classmates, friends, neighbors, others; 4. Reading and listening to God’s Word in sacred scripture; 5. Reflecting and pondering upon Jesus’s surprising presence with you; 6. Rejoicing when aware of Christ within you and with those around you (family, friends, neighbors, schoolmates).

I am praying during this advent season that we will prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and for his coming into our life each day. Join me in this prayer and realize once more that God is now with you and everyone.

Fr. John Moser
St. Patrick Catholic Church Waukon
St. Mary Catholic Church Hanover and Dorchester