First Week of Advent

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” -Mark 13:33-37

Today marks the first day of Advent, and as we light the Prophet’s Candle, we see that Advent is a time to prepare for Christ’s coming and to repent of our sins. It is the perfect time to make changes in our lives that will lead us closer to God. Now is not the time for us to fall asleep but rather to awaken and be on watch for the coming of the King. In the coming weeks, we can slow down, forget what we think is important to us, and focus on what is essential for the Lord. I will take time this Advent to meditate daily on being a man traveling abroad, walking with Mary and Joseph as they bring Christ to Bethlehem.

Saint Francis Xavier, pray for us.

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Jesus, I trust in you!