The Advent season is upon us, and today marks the start of a new liturgical year. I always think of Advent 1 as New Year's Day in the life of the Church.
I like a lot of what Benedict had to say last night in his homily at the first Vespers before the first Sunday of Advent.
He descibed Advent as "a time of the presence and the expectation in the eternal." He also observed that Advent "invites us to pause in silence to understand a Presence."
He said more, but his homily revolved around the themes of time, presence, expectation, and hope. I liked his apparent dichotomy of waiting/anticipation while at the same time contemplating a presence that is already here. I think Advent may be the most mystical time of the Church year.
What did y'all think of his homily?
Regardless of what you think of his homily, what does Advent mean to you and how do you observe it?
Hi Merope,
I enjoyed reading his Homily, I believe he aptly describe's the real meaning of Advent, something that get's overlooked at times. We all get caught up in the secular part of Advent, preparing for Christmas, nothing wrong with that, as long as we realize what Advent is all about for us too.
I'm receiving a daily Reflection on Advent from the Claretians, along with a relevant Scripture quote and I'm finding that to be a wonderful source of spiritual 'food'.
Have a blessed Advent,
Sandy
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of Eternal Life" "Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The Advent season is upon us, and today marks the start of a new liturgical year. I always think of Advent 1 as New Year's Day in the life of the Church.
I like a lot of what Benedict had to say last night in his homily at the first Vespers before the first Sunday of Advent.
He descibed Advent as "a time of the presence and the expectation in the eternal." He also observed that Advent "invites us to pause in silence to understand a Presence."
He said more, but his homily revolved around the themes of time, presence, expectation, and hope. I liked his apparent dichotomy of waiting/anticipation while at the same time contemplating a presence that is already here. I think Advent may be the most mystical time of the Church year.
What did y'all think of his homily?
Regardless of what you think of his homily, what does Advent mean to you and how do you observe it?
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