Advent

Dear Friends in Christ,

The season of Advent inaugurates a new liturgical year. With the First Sunday of Advent we begin a new cycle of readings which will continue until Advent of next year. The texts for the readings are spread over a three year period (Years A, B, and C). Having just completed Year B last Sunday, we are now beginning Year C.

The Gospel and the other Scripture readings at Mass are “proclaimed” from the Ambo. I use the word “proclaim” because we are hearing God’s Word, a message that is very important. Such a message should be heard loud and clear. Those who proclaim the readings at Mass are trained for their ministry. They read the texts before Mass and reflect on the meaning so that when they read them aloud the message comes through.

During the Advent season we have some very important messages in the readings, and I hope all of you will take the time to read them in advance so that you can prepare yourselves for Sunday Mass. Why not make this Advent a time of renewing your acquaintance with the Bible. Every Sunday our bulletin includes the Biblical references for the Sun-day readings and the readings for the coming week on page 3. You could cut out that part of the page and use it as a book mark in your Bible. Then every day reserve a time, maybe 20 minutes, to read the day’s Mass readings. You’ll find that you will learn more about how your Bible works and you will also find spiritual nourishment for your day. An easier way to find the readings is to subscribe to a monthly missal like Magnificat which also has prayers, articles and meditations. If you’re in front of the computer a lot, you can find the daily and Sunday readings on the web, www.ewtn.com, and many others. Too busy to sit with the Bible? Get an audio Bible! There are several out there on CD’s and MP3 versions. The Word of Promise audio Bible includes readings by famous actors such as Max von Sydow and Jim Caviesel.

Whatever version you get you can listen while driving, exercising, or walking the dog. We spend a lot of time using different media from iPods to email and from TV to twitter. Why not use our media for something that will benefit our soul? The Word of God is made to be heard, and there’s nothing like a good live rendering of a Biblical text. Let this Liturgical New Year be a time to prepare the way for the Lord through His Word. By the way, we’re looking for lectors to read at Mass. Have you thought about serving in this ministry?

A blessed Advent to all.

Fr. Hildebrand