Advent 2025

Before coming to the seminary, Advent wasn't any more to me than the random four week period where purple vestments come out, a wreath of four candles is lit, and some sentimental hymns are sung that remind me of Christmas lights. I used to think that it was corny to say "I am preparing for Christ's coming" when at the end of the day, the Solemnity of Christmas is just a celebration of an event that took place 2,000 years ago, not a future reality. On top of that, is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass not a true participation in the incarnation of Christ? After a couple years of formation, especially spiritual and liturgical formation, I am actually excited to enter into Advent this year. Through a greater understanding of typology and the Old Testament, I can finally enter into the longing of Israel for a savior and messiah. Yes, Christ already defeated evil and offers me salvation, but I still find myself deprived of total holiness and ultimate redemption just like Israel. ​After having a death focused November this year, it makes sense to transition into a time of preparation for the end. While Advent is a little less focused on "memento mori" and more focused on preparing for the coming Christ, an authentic participation in both of those themes will prepare us for when we encounter the unveiled glory of God. While being less rigorous than Lent, I and a small group of brothers have decided to attack a particular vice in each of our own lives and implement a practice for all of Advent. For me personally, I will be placing extra emphasis on praying all five hours of my breviary, continuing to exercise at least three days a week, and fasting from a meal occasionally. We have an accountability group chat where we can share any failures or successes we go through, similar to Exodus 90. 

I have been trying to pray with the idea of "death to self" this semester, and I think I am particularly excited for advent this year because the prayer of the Church is starting to harmonize with what I have been wrestling with for months. It was refreshing to hear sermons at Mass and online today that emphasize the penitential nature of Advent. I feel like I either never heard this preached growing up, or it just didn't click with me. I am thankful that I am being well fed by Mother Church this year instead of needing to rely on my own spiritual reading and study. The hope that Advent brings feels true and rich, yet it doesn't feel shallow and superficial. There is still a great battle and purification that must take place in us. However, we can have total trust in the fidelity of God that our misery will end. 

I attended a High Mass today, and the preface struck me. It says:

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times and places give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, through Christ our Lord; for in Thy mercy and fidelity Thou hast promised Him as Savior to the lost race of men, to instruct the ignorant with His truth, justify the wicked with His holiness, and help the weak by His power. Now that the time draweth nigh that He Whom Thou art to send should come, and the day of our liberation should dawn, with faith in Thy promises, we rejoice with holy exultation. And therefore with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing a hymn to Thy glory, evermore saying: — Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus....

I apologize for my bold function not working, but I want to point out a specific phrase. 

He Whom Thou art to send should come, and the day of our liberation should dawn, 

One does not need to be liberated if they were able to fix their situation on their own. If the fleeing of sin was something man could do on his own, at least somebody by now would have done it. So for all of the times where I fall into sin and the shame that follows, I can at least hope in knowing that God not only wants me to flee sin, but He is going to provide the solution to the problem. Despite what our social media algorithms may seem to suggest, the solution is more than a mere collection of wise teachings and motivational quotes. The solution is the immaculate victim, the God-man, whose entire mission is dedicated to bringing man back into the divine life. Man is not destined for God because God is a narcissist. Man is made for God because if there was a greater end, God would have made us for that end. 

Let us do everything we can to prepare for the day of our liberation. After all, Israel wanted to go back to Egypt. May we desire to enter the promised land where milk and honey flow abundantly.

Amen