As we gather on this First Sunday of Advent, we enter a season of profound anticipation and hope. Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, inviting us into a period of active waiting for the arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This waiting is not passive or resigned but filled with purpose and expectation, akin to a farmer eagerly awaiting the first signs of growth from a planted seed.
In the secular world, waiting is often viewed as a tiresome and frustrating experience, something we endure until a desired event or outcome takes place. However, in the context of Advent, waiting takes on a different dimension—it becomes a sacred and purposeful act, a time of active engagement with the hope of Christ’s coming.
This year, our parish will approach the season of Advent with a renewed emphasis on active waiting. As we begin Mass today, you may notice a difference in our opening ritual. This change is intentional, designed to underscore the significance of this season and the active waiting we are called to embrace. Let us enter into this time with open hearts, ready to cultivate the seeds of faith, hope, and love within us.
Active waiting, as illustrated by the image of a farmer tending to the planted seed, involves participation, attentiveness, and preparation. Just as a farmer nurtures the soil, waters the seed, and protects it from harm, we too are called to actively cultivate our spiritual lives during this season. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness that prepare the soil of our hearts to receive the transforming grace of Christ.
The Advent season serves as a reminder that our waiting is purposeful because we anticipate something truly extraordinary—the birth of Jesus Christ. This waiting is not passive or hopeless; it is a joyful expectation that involves active engagement with the teachings of Christ and a commitment to living out his message in our daily lives.
In the spirit of this waiting, we invite you to join us tonight for our first annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony after 5:00 pm Mass. This joyful event will be a wonderful opportunity for our parish family to come together, enjoy hot chocolate, and sing songs. As we bask in the glow of the Christmas lights, let us reflect on the symbolism of the tree—a reminder of the eternal life we have in Christ and the light that dispels the darkness.
Let us be intentional about our waiting as Advent is also a time to replenish one’s soul with the Lord’s love. May we actively prepare our hearts, minds, and souls to receive the Prince of Peace. May our waiting be a transformative journey, bringing us closer to the profound mystery of Christmas—the incarnation of God’s love in the person of Jesus Christ.
Waiting is so counter cultural, but we need to try and do less and be more—be more present to the current moment of grace among us. We cannot give to others what we do not have ourselves. Trust me, I find this equally as difficult as everyone else! Let me give you an example. Last summer we installed some planter boxes in the back garden of the rectory to grow some herbs and tomatoes. After two months I was shocked by how much the soil had shrunk and the plants stopped growing. I asked a friend of mine about this, and he asked if I added fertilizer and more soil. I said no! He said that the soil converts into fruit and herbs and that is why the soil depletes and it needs more fertilizer and even more soil to continue to produce good fruit. It cannot give what it does not have, and a planter is shallow and has no ability to regenerate itself like regular soil.
Sometimes we are like that planter box, we need more fertilizer and even more soil to continue to produce the good fruit and herbs. We cannot give what we do not have. This is especially true for mothers, fathers, and grandparents as they prepare their households for Christmas. So please set aside a few moments to pray each day to replenish the soil of your hearts. Please take a home a Give Us This Day book to help you and I have put the Parish Retreat session handout summaries on the website here.
As we pray and wait together, may we also support and uplift one another, sharing the warmth of community and the light of Christ. Many of our parishioners have lost loved ones recently and many others are struggling with illness in the family. Please keep them in your prayers and reach out to them if you know them, letting them know of our prayers and thoughts in this difficult time. November has been a difficult month for many in our parish. Yet, together, as a parish family, may we deepen our prayer life and lean into Christ as we know that God is always there for us. In a special way may our Advent journey this year be one of deepening faith, unwavering hope, and boundless love.
I look forward to seeing some of you tonight as we light the outdoor Christmas tree and more of you tomorrow at our traditional Advent Wreath Making event after 9:00 am and 11:15 am Masses. It’s also Donut Sunday so let’s spend some time together having a chat, asking how each other how we are and pray for one another. A reminder to please invite family, friends and neighbors to our “Peace on Earth” Christmas Concert on December 16th at 7:00 pm. All are welcome as John Angotti, Meredith Augustin and John’s live band will be here for an evening of inspiring music to give us the opportunity to celebrate together! We will have a reception at 6:00 pm with a light meal and drinks, please register for our catering purposes here.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan