Episode 2770: The Advent of Repentance - 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.”
The Advent of Repentance: Walking with Damasus and Delp"
"Welcome to today's episode where we delve into the profound spiritual journey of Advent from a traditional Catholic perspective. Today, we reflect on the words of two luminaries of the faith, Pope Saint Damasus I and Father Alfred Delp, to guide our preparation for the coming of Christ."
Segment 1: The Miracles of Christ and the Resurrection of Damasus

"We begin with the powerful testament from Pope Saint Damasus I, who said, 'He who walking on the sea could calm its bitter waves; He who gives life to dying seeds of the earth; He who was able to loose the mortal chains of death, and after three days’ darkness could bring forth the brother for his sister Martha; He, I believe, will make Damasus rise again from the dust.'
This reflection invites us to contemplate the divine power of Christ, who defied nature, death, and decay. The miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection, mentioned here, is not just a story of physical revival but also a profound symbol of spiritual renewal that each of us can experience. As we enter Advent, we are reminded of the resurrection that awaits us through repentance and faith. Just as Christ raised Lazarus, He calls each of us from our spiritual tombs, urging us to discard our sins and embrace a new life in Him."
Segment 2: The Deep Sense of Advent with Father Alfred Delp
Moving to the words of Father Alfred Delp, written during a time of great trial in 1943, he speaks of Advent as a time of deep personal scrutiny: 'The deeper sense of Advent is that we scrutinize the center [of ourselves]…' Delp reminds us that this season is not merely about awaiting Christmas but about a spiritual housecleaning. It's about preparing our hearts for Christ, examining our lives with honesty and humility.
Advent, according to Delp, is uncomfortable because it necessitates looking inward, into the often-dark corners of our souls. However, this self-examination is not meant to be done in fear but in the comforting embrace of Jesus. It's about setting ourselves free from the burdens of sin through repentance, aligning our desires, behaviors, and inner lives with the will of God. We are on a 'personal journey toward a meeting and dialogue with God,' where we can find solace and strength in His love and mercy."
Closing Thoughts:
As we navigate through this Advent season, let us remember these teachings. Like Damasus, let us trust in the resurrection not only of our bodies but of our spirits. And with Delp, let us courageously undertake this internal journey, knowing that in every moment of introspection, Christ walks with us, ready to forgive, heal, and renew."

Prayer:

"Let us end with a prayer:
O God, who through the grace of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has called us to repentance and new life, we ask You during this Advent season to guide our hearts. Help us to look within ourselves with Your light, not with dread but with hope, knowing that You are with us. May we, like Damasus, trust in Your power to raise us from our spiritual deaths, and like Delp, find the courage to confront our inner selves, trusting in Your love to transform us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen."

Closing:

"Thank you for joining this episode of our podcast. May your Advent be a time of profound transformation and joy in anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Until next time, may the peace of Christ be with you."