Reflection: Advent with Mary

Today is the First Sunday of Advent.  Over these special weeks before Christmas, we gather and give thanks.  We pray and sing together, inviting the Lord into our lives, our homes, the Church and into the world which God loves so much that He sent His only Beloved Son.

The best way to prepare for Advent is to spend Advent with Mary.  Let us reflect on the Annunciation and Mary's yes, her Fiat to God when the Angel appeared to her.  She heard the Word of God and she believed.  Mary was still.  She pondered God's Word.  She invites us to be still and to listen as God speaks to us during this beautiful season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus.

Luke 1:26-31  In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one!  The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  The the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus."

How can we prepare our hearts for the coming of the baby Jesus on Christmas Day?  Think about how we prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, cleaning our homes, shopping for food, cooking and serving a delicious meal for family, friends and neighbors.  What is the best way to prepare for the coming of the baby Jesus?  It is through the healing power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The best way to prepare our hearts for the baby Jesus is to go to confession.  It is there, the priest, in the person of Jesus Christ, hears and forgives our sins.  With the forgiveness of sins comes an outpouring of God's grace and mercy.

What is the best way to go to confession?  Ask Our Lady to accompany us.  When we pray to her and invite her to be with us in confession, she is there as our most loving Mother.  Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus heals our hearts and shines His light and love upon us.  If you have not been to confession for a while, ask Mary to accompany you and go.  Run to Jesus.  He is waiting for you with His love, mercy and peace.  It is the best way to prepare for the coming of the King.

The heart of the message of Advent is to bring light into a world of darkness.  The Advent candles symbolize Jesus Christ, the True Light of the world.  It is He who can dispel darkness and bring hope.  The Lord is always coming to those who seek Him!  Let us seek Him through the eyes and heart of Mary.