The Season of Advent: Watch and Pray
JER. 33:14-16, PS.25 1THESS 3:12-4, LUKE 21:25-28;34-36
Today, we embark on a new liturgical year, and I wish you all a blessed and enriching journey. As we begin this Advent season, we are reminded of the significance of Christ’s coming, both in his birth and his second coming.
The readings for today offer us valuable insights into the TRUE SPIRIT OF ADVENT. The Gospel of Luke exhorts us to “stand up and raise our heads” (Lk 21:28), signifying our need to rise above the distractions of the world and focus on the heavenly realm.
This season of Advent is A CALL TO PATIENCE, a virtue that is often lacking in our fast-paced world. We are encouraged to wait joyfully for the Lord’s coming, trusting in his promise to fulfill his word. As the prophet Jeremiah reminds us, “The days are coming when I will fulfill the promise I made” (Jer 33:14).
Advent is also a TIME FOR VIGILANCE, a call to watch and pray. We must be mindful of the temptations and vices that can lead us astray, and instead, focus on building our spiritual lives. As Jesus cautions us, “Do not allow your hearts to be consumed by drunkenness and concern for the cares of this life” (Lk 21:34).
As we journey through this Advent season, let us resolve to strengthen our spiritual lives, to wait patiently for the Lord’s coming, and to watch and pray lest we fall into temptation.
Let us pray:
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, forever and ever. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
