Dear friends in Christ
Saint John the Baptist is a central figure in this Advent-time. He was sent to prepare the world for the arrival of the Messiah and he speaks powerfully to us still. The Baptist called the people of that time back to basics: repentance, prayer, solidarity with others, making the world fit for God again. During these last months we have had much time to focus on what is most necessary in our lives. Indeed, our first sentiment should always be thanksgiving: for our life, for our family and relationships, and for membership of Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. These are no small benefits and despite the fact that we may be experiencing a heaviness of heart at recent events, our thanksgiving to God should be constant. We have been given so much and therefore we must never forget to raise-up our hearts and hands in profound gratitude to the God who gives us everything we need and Who keeps us in existence. St John the Baptist can remind us, as we progress through Advent, that it is our relationship with Christ that is paramount.
THE prayer of Advent is The Angelus. In this prayer—which we offer in the morning, noon and evening-time—we recall the announcement of the great news of the Incarnation. St Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God; Mary accepts what God is asking and for which she has been prepared from the start of time; the Word then becomes flesh in her womb. Try to recall this greatest of moments in salvation history faithfully each day and so live with joyful hope and expectation, the coming of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Tuesday (8th) is the great Solemnity of Mary’s Immaculate Conception. She was conceived sinless, redeemed by Christ from the first moment of her existence, and so created by God as a fitting dwelling place for the Word Incarnate. As I do each year, I shall consecrate the Parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the end of Mass on Tuesday. Try to make this offering also in your homes and families, so that in spite of all the uncertainties that we face, we may be placed under the protecting mantle of God’s Mother and our Mother also.
May Christ and Mary be with you all in these Advent days!
Msgr Kevin Hale