Episode 2744: Advent as a Time of Hope and Preparation - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
Happy New Years!
We had our first of 7 sessions of the Word Made Flesh and I appreciate all those that attended. We have one in the proverbial can and I will publish it tomorrow.
Advent as a Time of Hope and Preparation
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Tonight, as we delve into the season of Advent, we’ll reflect on how this sacred time calls us to prepare not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also for His glorious return. Drawing from the wisdom of Fr. Josemaría Escrivá and the Good Catholic series, we’ll uncover the profound hope Advent offers and the transformative preparation it invites us to embrace.
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1. Advent: A Season of Hope
Fr. Josemaría Escrivá beautifully captures the heart of Advent when he says:
“This time of Advent is a time for hope. These great horizons of our Christian vocation, this unity of life built on the presence of God our Father, can and ought to be a daily reality.”
Advent is a season that reminds us of the vastness of God’s love and His promises. The Incarnation God becoming man is the ultimate act of hope fulfilled. Just as Mary awaited the birth of her Son with anticipation, we are invited to live in hope, trusting in God’s promises and His plan for our lives.
Yet, this hope is not passive. It is active, requiring us to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ more fully. By embracing prayer, penance, and works of charity, we imitate Our Lady, who lived each moment of Advent in complete trust and surrender.
Reflection Question:
What areas of your life need the light of hope this Advent?
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2. Preparing for Two Comings of Christ
The Good Catholic series reminds us of an essential truth:
“Although many Catholics know that Advent is a preparation for Christmas, very few are aware that it’s also a preparation for Christ’s return at the end of time.”
Advent has always held a dual focus: the first coming of Christ in Bethlehem and His second coming in glory. Just as the Israelites waited with longing for the Messiah, we, too, await Christ’s return with joyful expectation.
This dual focus reminds us that while the Nativity is a historical event, it is also deeply personal. Christ desires to be born anew in our hearts. Simultaneously, we look forward to the fulfillment of His promise to return, bringing the final victory of His Kingdom.
Sacred Scripture calls us to vigilance:
“Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).
Advent challenges us to reflect: Are we ready to meet Christ? Not only in the manger but also at the end of time?
Reflection Question:
How can you better prepare your heart for both Christ’s birth and His return?
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3. Living Advent with Mary as Our Guide
Fr. Josemaría also writes:
“Ask our Lady, along with me, to make it come true. Try to imagine how she spent these months, waiting for her Son to be born. And our Lady, Holy Mary, will make of you alter Christus, ipse Christus: another Christ, Christ himself!”
Mary is the perfect model for living Advent. Her faith, hope, and love guided her as she awaited the birth of Jesus. She teaches us how to wait with trust and how to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Through her intercession, we can grow closer to her Son, becoming more like Him each day. By imitating her humility, obedience, and prayerfulness, we allow Christ to be born anew in our lives.
Practical Ways to Live Advent with Mary:
• Pray the Rosary, meditating on the Joyful Mysteries.
• Set aside time for silent prayer, imagining Mary’s quiet anticipation of Jesus.
• Perform acts of charity in Mary’s spirit of love and service.
Reflection Question:
How can Mary’s example inspire your Advent preparation this year?
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Conclusion Prayer
As we conclude, let us turn to Our Lady, asking for her guidance and intercession this Advent season:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of this sacred season of Advent, a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Your Son. Fill us with hope as we remember the great horizons of our Christian vocation and the promise of salvation through Christ.
Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, teach us to wait with trust and to live each moment in joyful expectation of Your promises. May we, like her, embrace Your will and prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus at Christmas and at His glorious return.
Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love, becoming more like Christ each day. May our lives give glory to You, now and forever.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining. May this Advent be a time of hope, renewal, and preparation for you and your loved ones. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.