From the Associate Pastor
This Sunday, December 5, we are beginning and celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent. The main character is John the Baptist, the last of the prophets. It should be noted that John the Baptist plays a very important role, not only in the time of Advent, but also in the season of Lent, because both seasons speak of conversion, repentance, waiting, and being vigilant to the great arrival of a more important character than John the Baptist. JESUS CHRIST.
John the Baptist is the forerunner, the one who is preparing the way of our Savior and Redeemer. Let us pay close attention to the Gospel of St. Luke that is presented to us this weekend. “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ’Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (Luke 3, 4-6).
As we listen to, read, and meditate on this exhortation of John the Baptist, let us ask ourselves, how are we preparing for this Advent season? Are we making a purposeful decision to change the way we speak, behave, see and treat others, in accordance with how we would like to be treated? Are we on the path of repentance and conversion to make room for the Christ Child, who will be born in our hearts? Are we aware or have we raised awareness that the one we celebrate at Christmas is Jesus and not us?
Let us remember once more that the time of Advent is a time of preparation for the arrival of Jesus, our Savior, and Redeemer into our lives and our hearts. Let’s do an examination of conscience let’s be sincere, honest and transparent, to discover what we need to change so we may joyfully await the coming of Jesus into our hearts. Yes, we need to confess, let’s do it; let’s not leave for tomorrow what we can do today. Nobody, absolutely no one, is assured of tomorrow.
Unfortunately, many of us have a misconception, or the wrong idea to say, “I will correct myself tomorrow, I intend to change tomorrow.” So we go through life and for many, tomorrow never comes. Let us make the most of each day that God gives us to be better every day. Let’s listen to the Lord Jesus and let us not harden our hearts.
With love and respect,
Father Alberto Villafan, ofm.
Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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