During the last week the Church has started to prepare for Christmas. Advent as a season of the liturgical year is about the human person. There is a two fold reason for why adherents celebrate and prepare for this crucial time and when educating students of the faith not just a secular concept of celebration. Christ's first coming is the primary reason for the season and looking to when Christ will come again is the second concept explored when celebrating advent. Advent is calling to celebrate Christ as human and the church that was built on the human condition of love. During the current context of our world, post the pandemic, it is important to understand the context of the world and why the church requires all adherents to understand the concept of the sanctity of the human. Newness is on its way among humanity (during Advent), if one is ready for it. In scripture, John the Baptist gets everything ready. The Kingdom of Heaven is here. He fulfils all the Old Testament prophecies as the forerunner. The coming of Jesus changes all power arrangements (Herod, Pharisees, the Temple). All darkness is on notice as Jesus is the light as outlined in scripture in John 1:9-14. From Bethlehem, a small hamlet of no significance whatsoever. Not in kingly power but as a helpless, vulnerable baby who is totally helpless. There is an upside down expectation of what the preparation is for during Advent and this is seen in Isaiah 7:14. Isaiah puts out that the Lord himself will give you a sign, a woman with child, who will bear a son. Advent is the journey of encounter to prepare the way and ultimately the understanding that promises were kept and will always be kept by and for humanity. As Pope Francis has outlined in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of The Gospel), he invites all people to a renewed encounter with Christ or at least an openness to encounter him.
An Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparation for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Amen.
© Henri J.M. Nouwen
Earlier this week, Bishop Brian invited all diocese school captains and vice captains to the inaugural Year 12 Student Leaders’ annual retreat. The focus of the retreat was Bearing Christ’s Love through Leadership as the Year 12 student leaders were brought together from across the systemic schools of our diocese to consider their unique and collective role in and contribution to this. The overnight retreat took place at the La Rosey student centre, The Hermitage, Mittagong and we thank Liam, Courtney, Shandesh, and Oscar for their speech about our college. Many thanks to Mrs. Opalniuk for attending and supporting these students.
