By Thomas Lima csc –
Readings: Jer 33:14-16; 1Thes 3:12, 4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Today we begin the season of advent. We have different kinds of years, calendar year, academic year, financial year, etc. For us believers in Christ, we have a liturgical year.
A new year means a chance to begin anew. Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. This reminds us that we can begin a new relationship with our Lord. Our perception of the past year does not make any difference. We have an opportunity to begin a new life and deepen our relationship with God. We begin the New Year by reminding ourselves that God is coming to us.
In the gospel, we read that God comes to us in the most unexpected places and moments. It is said, ‘if Christ is born thousand times in a crib, yet if he is not born in my heart, it is all in vain’. How can I make Christ be born in my life, this Christmas?
In this season of advent, I promise to practice three things for Christ to be born in my life. First, cleansing my heart. It is said, ‘change your bad habits and your life will change’, and I am ready for it. Second, it is a time of reconciliation, to forgive others, and be forgiven by others.
Third, it is a time to make genuine efforts to go for a good confession. God comes into our lives through every event and situation in our lives.
All we need is the grace to recognize his coming and acknowledge his presence. When I do this, I shall have true happiness and the serenity despite any kind of external circumstances. May all our preparations in the season of advent lead us towards Christ.