Daily Meditation for November 29, 2022

On Sunday, we began the season of Advent, a period remarkably different from Lent. While the mood for Lent is somber with an emphasis on penance and fasting, theologian Pius Parsch stresses that the Advent scriptures are buoyant and poetic indicating that we are entering a season glad with hope, a time of expectancy, longing, and holy joy. We can learn something from John the Baptist about what we can do this Advent to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. In response to the crowds wanting to know who he is, John defined himself by his mission—that of preparing the way for Christ. What about us? How are we preparing for the coming of Jesus? How grateful are we for the gift of our faith? Do others see Christ in us by our actions? How can our preparations for Christmas flow from love this year? Come, Lord Jesus.

By Lois Wedl, OSB