Bishop Wester on Keeping Advent

Ave Maria! Yesterday I was delighted to see at Catholic News Service an article entitled "Meaning of season lost by rushing Christmas celebration, bishop says." Here, here! Don't we know it, too! In his first pastoral letter, "Waiting in Joyful Hope!" , Salt Lake City Bishop John C. Wester reflects upon the meaning and beauty of this "season of joyful hope, a time of preparation and waiting." He not only urges us to keep true to the spirit of Advent but also offers us some practical suggestions on how to accomplish this. Hold off on decking the halls until December 24! What's the rush? Put up a Jesse tree for Advent, then a Christmas tree for Christmas. For us Catholics, the Christmas season continues until the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, celebrated this year on January 9, which gives us ample time to savor and celebrate the blessed nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While our society encourages us to worship mammon, especially during the frenzy of holiday shopping encouraged by slick advertising that bombards us before we've even cooked our Thanksgiving turkey, "the Church teaches us to slow down, to be patient, and to wait." During this holy season, Bishop Wester reminds us, "the Church is called to gather and quietly wait in hope for the coming of Christ, her bridegroom, the Light of the World." He will surely come and will not delay (Habbakuk 2:3), for as certain as the dawn is His coming (Hosea 6:3), and in that day there will be great light. Then all the false brightness of this ephemeral world will fade, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed (Isaiah 40:5). But we shall see Him in His splendor only insofar as we have celebrated Advent as Bishop Wester recommends, "with rich prayer." The Scripture readings at daily Mass provide us with a sumptuous feast to feed our prayer during Advent and, indeed, every day throughout the liturgical year. And, of course, a plethora of Advent resources is readily available on the Web -- simply Google "Advent" or "Advent resources" or "Advent prayers."

As Catholics, we must observe this time of year differently, Bishop Wester points out, adding that "If we truly believe the Church is the sacrament of Christ in the world (Lumen Gentium, sections 1, 9, and 48), then we must authentically celebrate the story of salvation as it unfolds in the liturgical year so that we can witness God’s profound love and mercy to the world." As we faithfully keep Advent with the Church, we become the "beautiful feet" of Isaiah that bring glad tidings and good news, proclaiming to all that our God is King (Isaiah 52:7).

Bishop Wester closes his pastoral letter with these words, which is my prayer for you, dear reader, and for the entire Church as we journey through the valleys and hills of Advent to the manger in Bethlehem: "May our observance of this season renew us and be an example of patience, silence, and joy to our hurried and anxious society."

Mary, Virgin of Advent, show me how

I can best prepare for the birth of your Holy Child,

the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Amen.