The Four Rings of Advent

12-05-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

In Lk. 3: 1-6, we hear of John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, coming from the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” What are the road blocks in our journey to God’s heart?

• Advent is the time for cleaning up, and clearing up. It is the time to let go of excess baggage that we do not need for the journey. It is the time for let go of things, habits, mind sets, situations, and even persons that harm us, and destroy us. Let go… let God!
• God’s call is concrete, addressed to a specific person, living in a particular date and time, with a special mission. John the Baptist comes out preaching message of repentance for the Kingdom of God is at hand. During our own day and time, God, too, is calling us to do our mission for Him. Let us listen and obey the call. We are all called, let not forget our mission. John’s life mission and life message were clear. What is your mission? What is your message? What are you saying by your very life?

Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD said that just as we have four candles in the Advent wreath, there arealso four “rings” of Advent:

1. Advent is the time for PREPA-RING. May our hearts, like the manger, be cleansed of whatever thorns, thumbtacks, or toxic chemicals that prevent us from welcoming the Baby Jesus. Confession is the best cleansing preparation for Christmas. Have a humble and contrite heart this Christmas.
2. Advent is the time for CLEA-RING. It is the time for us to reach out to each other in peace and reconciliation. In humility, let us break down the walls of hatred and indifference and be real brothers and sisters again. When we allow grace to operate, that’s when doors and hearts are really opened.
3. Advent is the time for IMPLO-RING. Prayer is the key to a meaningful Advent and Christmas season. It is in these quiet, hidden moments with the Lord in grateful prayer that we know and feel “what’s it all about.” Wishing you peace, serenity and prayerful moments this Christmas.
4.  Advent is the time for BEA-RING. All our personal preparing, clearing, and imploring will amount to nothing if they do not lead us to become better and more loving persons. The grace of God must bear fruit in concrete expressions of love, especially to the less fortunate among us this Christmas. Be instruments of God’s love.

Lord, help us in our preparing, clearing, imploring, and bearing mission for you this Advent.