The second Sunday of Advent draws near, and with it we prepare for Christ’s coming – both as an infant at Christmas, and again at our final judgment. For these reasons, during Advent we make our hearts welcome to receive Christ.
The Gospel message from the first Sunday of Advent warns of Christ’s coming, in which we do not know the day nor the hour. The Second reading of St. Paul to the Romans echos the warning to stay awake and lay aside sin, for salvation is near. In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist preaches, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
Christ’s coming and judgment are no less imminent today. In a recent post, we shared the following advice on how we can “stay awake” and grow in virtue this Advent.
“Once our predominant fault is identified, deploy all our energies and resources to defeat [the devil]. First, use prayer because without it we can not do anything but with this powerful weapon, we become invincible. Then, let’s place this fight under the special protection of the Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph, or Guardian Angel or some saint. In the morning make a quick glance at the opportunities of the day when we may succumb and arm ourselves, willing to not fail. Remain alert and at noon, already do an examination of conscience to see our victories or defeats. Continue our journey until the evening and start again our discussion by asking forgiveness for our failures, and still pray to strengthen us in our resolutions.
It is a long process that may last weeks, months or even years, but when the enemy will be struck down, the rest becomes easy. So do not get discouraged, good will with the help of grace is omnipotent.”
In our Living Jesus Chat Room this Sunday, we will discuss these points:
- lf we can not admit our faults, we can never fight them. How does this reinforce the need for a frequent examination of conscience?
- We may make progress in growing in holiness during Advent, but how do we keep these habits from fading away once Advent is over?
- The early Christians would often meditate on the “four last things”: heaven, hell, death, and judgment. Do we understand the importance of Christ’s second coming and our final judgment?
To prepare for Sunday’s chat, please read the article on our blog, “Advent Advice from the Guard of Honor”, which we will discuss.