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.
(Collect of the 1st Sunday of Advent)

Dear friends,

At the first Mass of the new liturgical year we collectively offer the above prayer to the Father, in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. I believe these words powerfully express the disposition we are to have during this season. We know that Advent is a season of waiting with joyful anticipation the coming of Our Lord Jesus. We celebrate his coming as man, his coming in future glory and his coming in grace. While Christ comes to us . . . this collect reminds us that we too should be coming to Him. There is a sense of urgency in this prayer . . . for we are to “run forth” to meet Christ. There is a sense in which we must be doing something. We “run forth” and hasten Christ’s coming by doing righteous deeds. In our prayer and good works we are thus preparing and cultivating our hearts to receive Him more fully at Christmas. How sad it would be if we did not use this season to grow spiritually and to be found ready and righteous when the Lord comes again. I invite you to make good use of this holy season of Advent which is truly a gift to us.

With this in mind, I would like to offer you a few practical suggestions for this coming Advent.

• Obtain a spiritual classic and do some spiritual reading each day. I would suggest, The Imitation of Christ, Introduction to the Devout Life, or Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence.

• Try to attend weekday Mass. *(if possible)

• Make visits to the Blessed Sacrament *(if possible)

• Cultivate the habit of praying the Rosary.

• Incorporate more silence in your life.

• Make a good examination of conscience (a good one is provided near the confessional) and make a good confession

Peace and God bless,
Fr. Christian



"Feed My Sheep" by Yongsung Kim