November 27, 2022, 12:00 PM
I Hope so! According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Hope is the theological (from God) virtue (habit to do good) by which we desire and expect from God both eternal life and the grace we need to attain it (CCC #1817).
The message of Advent is a plea, a plea that this year we will awake from our sleep. If the message sounds a bit harsh, it is because the prophets knew how much we have to gain by waking up. The prophets knew then what we should know even better now, God is not far from us. The God who is a mystery is also very much present in the ordinary. He is present in our daily lives, but we cannot see Him unless we are awake. We may think our lives are dull or very ordinary, but today’s readings contain a different message. What seem to be the ordinary things of life are really great signs of hope.
Advent is a time of hope. We prepare for the birth of Jesus, His coming into our daily lives, and His coming at the end of time. St. Paul reminds us to live in such a way, to dedicate ourselves to walk in the light of Christ, so we are always ready for the Lord. We can be responsive to God’s presence in our family, our parish, our community, and the world. Advent is a time to welcome Jesus into our lives and to prepare ourselves for Christ's return in glory. We are filled with hope because we know it is God we are waiting for. When the Lord comes, will He find us awake? I Hope so! Now you know!
