from Fr Bogdan
Sisters & Brothers
Part of human life and nature is to wait. During our lives we wait for so many things: we wait to grow up, to see our parents, family or friends, we look forward to events or achievements. We constantly expect new happenings and new people in our lives. We do not know what kind of impact they will have on us and how they will change us and world around us.
Today begins the time of Advent. A special season and is observed by many Christian churches especially in the Western tradition. The Oxford dictionary says that advent means the "arrival of a notable person or thing". Advent includes four weeks or four Sundays to be precise. A time of awaiting the arrival of a unique Visitor. We are waiting for our Saviour who is the Son of God himself.
This special season reminds us of the first 'advent', when the people of Israel waited for their Messiah. For hundreds of years, they expected God to send someone who would liberate them from occupation and enemies. The people of Israel waited for a strong political leader, a "new king David" who would give them a great kingdom and independence from the Persians or Romans. For ages God sent them prophets to prepare them for that moment.
Advent is a time of waiting for Jesus who is coming on Christmas day. But the season of Advent is not for passive waiting, it is not just about lazy sitting on the couch and waiting for Christmas for a few days. Advent is a time of preparation to be ready for that special moment. In today's gospel Jesus tells us that we should be ready for the day of his arrival. Only those who prepared, who recognise the Messiah, will be taken by him to his Eternal Kingdom.
The four weeks of Advent are symbolic. Representing our lives, different stages of existence. In December we will prepare our houses for the beautiful season of Christmas. Many will decorate houses, clean yards and cook delicious food. It is good to celebrate. But we cannot forget about deeper preparation. We have to have our spirits ready to meet Jesus. Not only at Mass at church. We need to make room for him in our hearts. We should "stay awake" and wait for when our "master is coming".
Advent means "arrival of the noble person". Let these four weeks of Advent be for us the time of active waiting. With Mary, Mother of Jesus and with John the Baptist we look forward to meeting Jesus. Then we will enjoy his presence in our lives.
Have a blessed advent,
Fr. Bogdan
Part of human life and nature is to wait. During our lives we wait for so many things: we wait to grow up, to see our parents, family or friends, we look forward to events or achievements. We constantly expect new happenings and new people in our lives. We do not know what kind of impact they will have on us and how they will change us and world around us.
Today begins the time of Advent. A special season and is observed by many Christian churches especially in the Western tradition. The Oxford dictionary says that advent means the "arrival of a notable person or thing". Advent includes four weeks or four Sundays to be precise. A time of awaiting the arrival of a unique Visitor. We are waiting for our Saviour who is the Son of God himself.
This special season reminds us of the first 'advent', when the people of Israel waited for their Messiah. For hundreds of years, they expected God to send someone who would liberate them from occupation and enemies. The people of Israel waited for a strong political leader, a "new king David" who would give them a great kingdom and independence from the Persians or Romans. For ages God sent them prophets to prepare them for that moment.
Advent is a time of waiting for Jesus who is coming on Christmas day. But the season of Advent is not for passive waiting, it is not just about lazy sitting on the couch and waiting for Christmas for a few days. Advent is a time of preparation to be ready for that special moment. In today's gospel Jesus tells us that we should be ready for the day of his arrival. Only those who prepared, who recognise the Messiah, will be taken by him to his Eternal Kingdom.
The four weeks of Advent are symbolic. Representing our lives, different stages of existence. In December we will prepare our houses for the beautiful season of Christmas. Many will decorate houses, clean yards and cook delicious food. It is good to celebrate. But we cannot forget about deeper preparation. We have to have our spirits ready to meet Jesus. Not only at Mass at church. We need to make room for him in our hearts. We should "stay awake" and wait for when our "master is coming".
Advent means "arrival of the noble person". Let these four weeks of Advent be for us the time of active waiting. With Mary, Mother of Jesus and with John the Baptist we look forward to meeting Jesus. Then we will enjoy his presence in our lives.
Have a blessed advent,
Fr. Bogdan
