FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear Beloved St. Mary’s Parishioners,
Take a Look around the church. You’ll notice the liturgical colors in the sanctuary have shifted from green to purple. It’s a visual shock to capture your seeing eye, to lure you into spiritual things yet unseen. The Church has entered into the holy season of Advent. The name comes from the Latin word “Adventus”, literally meaning “coming” or “arrival.” We have been eagerly waiting for the “arrival” of this someone whose presence has been long anticipated. In fact, we Christians have been waiting for over 2,000 years. It’s hard to keep our attention blazing with such a delay, for even the hottest fires eventually grow dim and cold. Knowing this human proclivity, Advent is born in the life of the Church. Its visual cues are designed to rekindle our drowsy heart towards the promise of the final return of Jesus Christ.
The great Advent wreath makes its reappearance this Sunday at Mass to underscore this teaching. The lighting of each candle each Sunday, leading closer and closer to this day of return, reminds us that Our Lord will soon come back. Reopen your eyes; refocus your gaze. Ignite the fire of faith once again. In the Gospel passage, Jesus said to his disciples, “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Cf. Mark 13:33). Each Advent is an opportunity for us to take a deep, honest look at our spiritual health. We should ask ourselves, “How am I doing with my relationship with Jesus Christ?” “Have I allowed the world to distract me from what truly matters?” “If Jesus returned today, would I be ready to stand in judgment before him?”
However, we answer these questions, Advent is the perfect time to make ready. Over the next few weeks we will have many chances to grow in our faith. Take advantage! Most importantly, if you haven’t been to the Sacrament of Confession in a long time, Advent is the perfect time. We no longer have to carry the heavy burden of sin that weighs on our shoulders.
A Slave of Jesus Christ,
Fr. Brian J. Soliven
