11/29/2020

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

This Sunday we begin the Advent Season, the beginning of the new Liturgical Year. In Advent, we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior. This season is one of longing and expectation, which also marks our whole Christian lives on earth. The psalms say "seek His face always." (Psalm 105:4) We yearn to see God and to find the joy and peace He promises us; we attain that joy and peace when we reach our heavenly homeland and behold God face to face. 

That longing is connected to the yearning of ancient Israel for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As they yearned for the Messiah, we yearn for the fulfillment of our salvation as Christ's victory is made manifest in our lives, leading us to the Father. In Advent we share in all mankind's yearning for salvation, and also see revealed our yearning for the fulfillment of Jesus's salvation in our lives. 

Let us live this season so as to draw closer to our Savior. Let us experience the longings of our hearts to see God and take joy in knowing that Christ has enabled us to realize that desire by following His grace, leading us to the Father and our heavenly homeland. In our longing for the coming of our salvation, we take hope in knowing the Christ has come and our celebration of His Nativity at Christmas is imminent. As He came those 2,000 years ago we know that He will come again and the fulfillment of our longing for God is also imminent.

Usually, people take up some form of penance during Advent to help focus on our longing for God and the fulfillment of His promises and to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. I encourage you to follow this tradition. Give something up for Advent, or take up a new spiritual practice that will help you focus on the spiritual meaning of these 4 weeks. There is much grace available this Advent Season: take advantage of that grace!

Finally, remember that confession is available daily at St. Joseph's. Many people feel the need to use the confessional after family gatherings like Thanksgiving. Take advantage of being a member at one of the few parishes that offers daily confession.

Have a blessed Advent,

Fr. Boniface