John the Baptist
Now I am sending my messenger ahead of me to clear the way; then suddenly the Lord for whom you long will enter the sanctuary. The messenger of the covenant whom you so greatly desire is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
Malachi 3: 1-2
"John is luminous because he bears witness to the light. But what is his light? He himself gives us the answer when he clearly tells the crowds who had flocked to hear him that he is not the light, that he
is not the Messiah (cf. vv. 19-20).
The light is Jesus, the Lamb of God, “God who saves”. Only he redeems, frees, heals and enlightens. This is why John is a “voice” who accompanies his brothers and sisters to the Word. He serves without seeking honours or the spotlight. He is a lamp, while the light is the living Christ (cf. vv. 26-27; Jn 5:35).
..... the example of John the Baptist teaches us at least two things. First, that we cannot save ourselves alone: only in God do we find the light of life. And second, that each of us, through service, consistency, humility, witness of life — and always by God’s grace — can be a lamp that shines and helps others find the way on which to meet Jesus.
Let us thus ask ourselves: How can I bear witness to the light, bear witness to Christ, in the places where I live, now, this very Christmas, not in a distant future?"
POPE FRANCIS
Saint Peter's Square, Sunday, 17 December 2023
ANTICIPATION .....
HOPE .....
FAITH.....
PRAYER .....
PREPARATION .....
TIME PASSING .....
THE CHURCH IN WAITING
The meaning of Advent
The Latin word adventus, which means "coming" or "arrival," is the origins of the word "Advent".
"When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming" (CCC 524).
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Anonymous/Unknown
Latin to English translation 1851 by John Mason Neale
How should we prepare to receive the Messiah into our hearts and souls
What can I do concretely during these days as we draw near to Christmas? How can I do my part? Let us make a concrete commitment, even if small, that is adapted to our situation in life, and let us continue to do it to prepare ourselves for this Christmas.
For example:
I can call a person who is alone,
visit that elderly person or that person who is ill,
do something to serve a poor person, someone in need.
Even still: maybe I need to ask forgiveness, grant forgiveness,
clarify a situation,
pay a debt.
Perhaps I have neglected prayer and after a long time, it is time to draw near to the Lord’s forgiveness.
Brothers and sisters, let us find something concrete and do it! May Our Lady, in whose womb God became flesh, help us."
POPE FRANCIS
Saint Peter's Square, Sunday, 12 December 2021
“At this Christmas when Christ comes,
will He find a warm heart?
Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God’s own love and concern.”
St. Mother Teresa
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 the piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God,
to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of
Our Saviour Jesus Christ
and of His blessed Mother.
Amen
It is a deeply held belief, that the person who recites the St. Andrew Christmas Novena prayer fifteen times a day, starting on November 30th and ending on Christmas Eve, will be granted the desired request.
Commenti