A Roman Catholic Church leader called on the faithful “to prepare and be ready for the coming of Jesus” as Catholics mark the First Sunday of Advent today.
“Advent is our preparation for the celebration and commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. Advent reminds us that Jesus comes. Jesus lives. He is alive. With Advent, we welcome Him. We turn to Him, and return to His will and ways,” said Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos in an interview.
The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People stressed the importance of praying and being compassionate in preparation for the Birth of Jesus.
“How do we prepare for His coming? How can we welcome Him? The Advent Season is a special time for us to speak to Jesus, that is, to pray to Him. Pray constantly and consistently. During these times of turmoil and terrifying events, go to Jesus and pray fervently. Think of Jesus and speak to Him, instead of spending our time shopping or playing with our gadgets,” Santos said.
“Another preparation that we can do is to be present to Jesus. Make sure that our words are pleasing to Jesus and to others. Let our works be in conformity with His commandments. Let us offer our time and resources to those who are suffering, hurting, to those who are in need. Be present to them and perform good deeds. Be available to extend our hands and provide hope and help,” the bishop said.
“When someone tells us ‘I see a Jesus in you’ then Jesus is truly alive. He lives. Jesus has come to us. He is born in our hearts, in our homes,” he added.
Santos also reminded the faithful to go to confession as part of their spiritual preparation for the Birth of Christ.
Meanwhile, in all holy masses today, priests in purple vestments, the color of penitence and fasting, as well as of royalty, will bless Advent wreaths adorned with four candles: Three purple candles, which symbolize anticipation and hope, and one pink candle, which symbolizes joy, arranged in a circle of evergreen to symbolize eternal life.
Some Advent wreaths include a white candle, which symbolizes Christ, and which is usually lit during the Christmas Eve mass.
After the reading of a short devotional, one of the three purple candles will be lighted to herald the joyous season of waiting for Christ’s birth as well as to signify that “Jesus is the light of the world.”
As the Advent season begins, Church officials encourage the faithful to hold prayer vigils before the Blessed Sacrament, attend Advent retreats and reflections, do penance and alms giving way ahead of getting busy with parties and gift-giving.
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means coming or arrival. The season marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year, her new year. Observed on the Sunday following the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King, Advent is historically known as “little Lent” as it is also a time of repentance, prayer, fasting, and confession. (Christina I. Hermoso)
