Finding Joy ⁣and Purpose ​This Advent Season

As the holiday season approaches, many ⁣Americans find themselves reflecting on the⁣ year and looking forward to⁤ the joy of Christmas.This Advent season, a time of planning and⁣ reflection, offers a unique‌ possibility for spiritual growth and renewed purpose.⁢ The message of “Rejoice,” central to Gaudete Sunday, encourages us to find​ joy even amidst the challenges ⁣of life.

This year, let’s delve into the ⁣deeper meaning of Advent, focusing on themes of⁢ mercy, repentance,⁢ and⁣ the‍ importance of selfless giving. The ⁢prophet Zephaniah’s message of divine mercy ⁤reminds us that God’s anger is directed at sin, not⁣ the sinner.This offers a powerful message of hope and forgiveness, echoing the angel Gabriel’s words to Mary: “Rejoice,” do not fear,” “the Lord is‌ with you.”

For many, the feeling⁣ of‌ God’s closeness is a source of‍ strength and comfort. As one​ reflection notes, “It is indeed not essential ​to have many⁢ successes ⁣in ⁣life,⁢ or excellent​ health, or‌ many ⁢material things. Nor does it mean‍ living free of worries.” True strength lies in faith, in the belief that even⁣ amidst life’s trials, everything is⁤ part ​of a larger​ divine plan.

But how⁣ can we actively⁣ participate in this​ plan? How⁤ can ⁢we demonstrate genuine conversion ⁢and bear the “fruits”‍ that John the ⁢Baptist speaks ​of? ⁤The answer lies in introspection ⁤and⁢ action. First,‌ we must re-evaluate ​our relationship with material possessions.While material things hold ‌value,they ⁣should‍ not overshadow our spiritual lives. we must make room for God ‌in our hearts.

Saint John Chrysostom reminds ‍us vigorously: “Not making the poor ‍share in one’s goods is robbing them and taking​ their lives; […] What ‍we possess are not our goods,‌ but theirs” (In Lazarum, concio 2, 6).

This powerful quote from the Catechism ‍of the ‌Catholic Church (2446) highlights the moral imperative to⁤ share our ‍blessings with those less​ lucky. It underscores that ‍giving to the⁣ needy ​is not​ merely ​an⁣ act​ of charity, but a ‍fulfillment of justice. As another passage emphasizes, “When we give the poor essential things, we do ‌not give them personal liberalities, but ​rather we⁢ give them back what is theirs. More than⁣ performing an ‌act of‍ charity,what we⁤ do is⁤ fulfill a ⁤duty of justice” (Saint Gregory the Great,Regula‌ pastoralis,3,21,45).

This Advent season, ​let us reflect on our “sins ⁤of​ omission”—those times we failed to help ‍those in need. Let us⁤ strive to actively ‌distribute our ⁤”robes,” metaphorically speaking, ‍by​ performing acts ⁣of kindness and generosity. ‍ Let us make a ​conscious⁢ effort ⁢to address the needs of⁣ our communities, mirroring⁢ the spirit of giving ⁢that defines⁢ the Christmas season.

By embracing the spirit‌ of mercy, repentance, and selfless giving, we can truly experience the joy and purpose that this Advent season​ offers.Let⁣ us approach the ​holidays with⁣ renewed faith, hope, and a commitment to‌ making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Finding Faith in the Everyday: An Advent reflection

The Advent⁣ season is a time of reflection and preparation for‍ the celebration of Christ’s birth. It’s a ⁣time to consider how we can ‍better⁤ live out our faith in our daily lives, not just in grand gestures, but in​ the small, everyday interactions.

The message of Advent isn’t about escaping ​our ‌responsibilities; it’s ⁤about‍ transforming how we ‌approach them. ‌ as one spiritual leader noted,”Jordan is the way to fulfill our​ obligations. He does ‍not tell the ‌publicans and soldiers‍ to go to the desert, or to adopt the monastic or priestly life. It tells them that ⁤they can do their work ​in a different ⁣way, with more‍ responsibility, and being fair.” This ‌advice resonates deeply ​as we embark ‍on‍ our⁣ own ⁤Advent journey.

Consider the myriad ways we interact with the world—at⁤ home, at ⁤work, at school. We have⁣ a responsibility to ⁤act with integrity and accountability.⁤ But as Christians, we’re⁤ called to something more: to ⁤infuse our actions with kindness, empathy, and compassion—the ‌things that ⁤aren’t explicitly written ⁢into our job ‌descriptions or family agreements.A simple smile, an act of kindness, ‍a​ listening ear—these are the ways we⁤ prepare our ⁢hearts to receive the Christ child.

It’s also crucial to be mindful of the potential ⁣for abuse of power. Whether it stems from social status, education, or workplace hierarchy,⁤ the misuse of authority​ can be​ devastating. “We​ don’t have swords like soldiers,” the⁤ spiritual leader ​reminds us, “but, sometimes, words ‘kill.’” To truly ⁣welcome Christ into ⁣our lives,⁤ we must ⁤strive​ for gentleness in our words and actions, mirroring the example of Jesus himself.

This Advent, let’s​ commit to a profound change. ‌Let’s pray ‍for the strength to relinquish our ‌need‌ to control, ⁢to cease complacency, and to open our hearts to Christ’s presence. This⁤ transformation may feel daunting, even frightening,​ as it requires us to confront‌ areas of our ‍lives‍ that ‌need⁣ improvement.But it is precisely in this process ‍of ⁤change ⁤that⁣ we experience the true‍ joy of ‍Advent. Each of us should listen for the Lord’s specific call this ⁣year. Let the​ Gospel and Christ⁢ enter your‌ life: He is coming, and it ​will not be long. This is the great news. And ‍do it with ‍joy. Always.

By Alejandro Carbajo, CMF