Brett's Two-Cents

Hello, everyone. Happy Advent! “Maranatha!” is the code word during Advent, much like “Alleluia!” during Easter. Maranatha is Greek for “Come Lord Jesus!” Kind of an interesting way to prepare for Christmas, isn’t it — praying for the Lord’s return and the end history? Yet that’s how we spend these first couple of weeks of Advent.

Last Sunday in his Angelus address, Pope Francis remarked that, “the life of creation doesn’t advance by chance but proceeds to a final end: the definitive manifestation of Christ, Lord of history and of the whole of creation. The conclusion of history will be His eternal reign.”

Praying for that end might seem a bit scary, but it’s actually good news. This poor, broken world, with all of its disappointments, injustices, pain, and suffering can’t possibly hope to satisfy us, whose hearts were made for the Eternal. One day — and perhaps that day is nearer than we think — the Lord for whom we long will return and set things right, breaking forever the chains of sin and decay by which Creation is held bound, and setting us free to truly become the glorious children of God for whom the Lord eagerly waits.

And so, over these next few weeks, amidst all the busyness, I encourage you to take some time; find a dark, quiet corner; and light a candle. And then pray with the daily Mass readings, especially the prophesies which make up the first readings, and which are so powerfully evocative. Let them awaken in you once more that longing for Him for whom our hearts were made, and for His kingdom in which all will know the justice and peace which only He can give.