Don't Miss Advent

We find ourselves at the beginning of the Liturgical Year with the celebration of the First Sunday of Advent. This holy season has a long history, beginning most probably in the 5th century. Traditionally, from those earliest times, Advent was a significantly longer time, beginning on the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, November 11. Hence comes the old name of the season, St. Martin’s Fast. It was a time of prayer and penance, not as strict as the season of Lent, but a period of being vigilant and sober. Perhaps some good advice for us as we begin Advent in a few days.
           
This year Advent is the shortest that it can be, because of the falling of Christmas Day on Monday after the Fourth Sunday of Advent. This is a clarion call to us not to miss this season of grace. It is imperative for us to be focused on this wonderful liturgical season, so that we can keep our hearts fixed on the Feast of Our Lord’s Nativity.
           
First, prayer should be uppermost in our hearts. The Masses of the Season of Advent, with their amazing scripture readings from the prophets and poignant Gospel passages, as well as the orations, provide beautiful sources of meditation. We should participate in Mass during Advent as often as possible. The Rosary should be prayed daily, especially meditating on the Joyful Mysteries, as the beauty of the Incarnation of the Word is a particular focus in these mysteries. A very popular way of praying during Advent that keeps us focused on the Incarnation and the Nativity of Our Lord is the St. Andrew Novena. It takes its name from the day on which it begins—November 30.the Novena is prayed daily until December 25. It provides a focused prayer to bring our intentions to the Prince of Peace through the intercession of His Holy Mother.

ST. ANDREW CHRISTMAS NOVENA

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

(It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayers fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th Nov.) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)
           
Second, penance is certainly appropriate for Advent. While it is for us not a strictly penitential season, but, rather, a time of vigilant preparation for the coming of the Savior, purifying our senses by some penance will help us to fix our hearts on the true meaning of Advent. We live in a world of rampant materialism, indulgent pleasures, and self-centered living. Abstaining from food, sacrificing lawful pleasures (ie TV, electronic devices other recreational activities), and seeking time for silence and prayer all help us to keep God’s plan for our salvation clearly in sight.
           
Advent is a perfect time to reach out to the poor, the lonely, the anxious and depressed, those who mourn, the sick, the shut-ins, the imprisoned, and those who suffer in any way. It is a time to pray for peace throughout the world and to support in charity those who are suffering because of war.  After all, Our Lady and St. Joseph suffered poverty, hardship and the threat of violence around the Birth of Jesus.
           
Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us not miss Advent! It is a true gift from God and the Church, a time for us to train our mind and heart to focus on the Incarnate Word, on God who became one of us, Jesus, our Savior. Let us not get caught up in all the secular pursuits of this season. Instead, let us redouble our prayer and sacrifice, so that we may welcome the Infant King on the day of His Birth.

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh