December 4, 2011 - Second Sunday of Advent

Spirit of Advent

The gospel for the 2^nd Sunday of Advent is an invitation for all of us:

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." (Mark 1:1-8)

Advent has two liturgical spirit: first, Preparation through reconciliation. This theme is highlighted in the gospels of 2^nd and 3^rd Sunday of Advent. This is the reason why parishes hold Communal Penitential Services with Individual Confession and Absolution or Kumpisalang Bayan to prepare our mind, body, and soul – in the state of grace - to celebrate with joy the birthday of our Lord and to receive Christ judgment with love and humility.

Then, on the 17^th of December until the 24^th, including the 4^th Sunday of Advent give the second liturgical spirit of the season, Joyful Expectation. With the Advent characters: Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and the parents of John the Baptist we join them in their joyful expectation for the coming of Our Lord: we remember, we celebrate, and we expect.

To remember the birthday of Jesus is a way for us to imitate the characters of Advent. How well did they prepare for the coming of the Lord? 

Answer: Our Lady’s virtues, Saint Joseph’s fatherly stand, and the humility and silence of Zechariah and Elizabeth are our ways to prepare for the Lord –  to make Christ the center of our lives and reason of our joy.