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by Fred C. Wilson III
November 28, 2010
“Every year we celebrate the holy season of Advent, O God. Every year we pray those beautiful prayers of longing and waiting, and sing those lovely songs of hope and promise.”
–Karl Rahner-
MEANING OF ADVENT
The Latin term adventus (Advent) is the translation of the Greek word Parousia which refers to the Second Coming of Christ. Advent is the liturgical season observed in Western Christianity as a time to prepare for Christmas. The Eastern churches’ equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast. It differs in length and customs observed from those of Western Christianity. The Eastern liturgical year starts on September 1st. In most of the Western churches, the liturgical year will start on Sunday November 28th the four Sundays before Christmas.
BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Advent is not ‘little Lent.’ It’s a time for prayer, performing works of charity, and inner renewal. The most commonly used ritual prayers for this pre-Christmas season are those used during each of the four weeks before the Nativity. Advent starts during the evening of the Saturday before the first Sunday with the Blessing of the Advent Wreath. Reader if you were with me last year these prayers are ‘old hat’ no news. If this is your first time reading Philippine Adventures here’s the traditional Wreath prayers used throughout this special time of prayer, good works, and spiritual renewal.
SATURDAY NIGHT BEFORE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT:
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: O God, by whose Word all things are sanctified, pour forth Your blessing upon this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from You abundant graces. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Before, during, or after Saturday’s dinner (or another meal) the wreath is sprinkled with holy water but no candles are lit.
FIRST WEEK: This prayer is said on the first Sunday of Advent when the family/community is together.
Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
The first purple candle is lit by the designated prayer leader and allowed time to burn for a few minutes throughout week one.
SECOND WEEK: As with the first week, the prayer that follows is to be repeated each day before the evening meal or at some other designated time. After the prayer below is said the leader lights the first and second purple candles.
Leader: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
THIRD WEEK: This Sunday in Advent is also known as ‘Gaudete’ or Joy Sunday. The pink (rose or light red) colored candle is lit along with the previous two purple ones.
Leader: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
FOURTH WEEK: The prayer below is to be repeated each day of the fourth week. After the prayer all four candles are lit.
Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Reader, the minimum you’ll need for your wreath is four candles three purple one pink, and a copy of the above listed prayers. Holy water is desired but optional. If however you don’t have access to the four specified candle colors, any colors will do. ‘Burn time’ is up to you. GOD looks at your heart not at your candles though I think it’s a good idea to stick to tradition. Above all use common sense.
ACTION
The Holy Gospel warns us that our ETERNAL SALVATION depends upon how we practice the Works of Mercy as outlined in Mathew’s 25:34. Reader, ‘blow this off’ if you want to but you’ll be sorry. WARNING!!! FAILURE TO PRACTICE THE WORKS OF MERCY WILL LEAD TO YOUR ETERNAL DEMISE! Here’s a complete listing of Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy along with ideas of how to make them part of your Advent experience (Search: ‘Works of Mercy Examples and Ideas’ www.home.catholicweb.com…)
CORPORAL WORKS:
Feed the Hungry.
Give drink to the hungry.
Clothe the naked.
Shelter the Homeless.
Visit the sick.
Visit those in prison.
Bury the dead.
SPIRITUAL WORKS:
Admonish sinners.
Instruct the uninformed.
Counsel the doubtful.
Comfort the sorrowful.
Be patient with those in error.
Forgive offenses.
Pray for the living and the dead
PEFORMANCE INTENTION:
Read and study 1 Corinthians: 1-13 to understand what it takes to correctly practice the Works of Mercy.
ON LINE RETREAT
Every Monday during Advent (November 30th), we’ll host our annual Mega Scene on line Retreat. All participants will receive weekly emails from Kolbe House’s prison ministry staff. Emails consist of short reflections from prison chaplains, a list of suggested Scripture readings, recommended actions, and prayers. Participants will be given weekly ‘assignments.’ Those wishing to take part can send an email to jailkolbe@aol.com and request their weekly Advent emails or visit www.kolbehouseministry.org. They’re looking for volunteers as well as prayer partners.
This year is the 15th anniversary of Stir-Friday Night’s: ‘Bubble Tea Party’ a parody of all things Asian. Be here next week. We have a wild one in store for you! GOD be with you, don’t overdo it at holiday parties, and have a happy, safe, and holy Advent.
“You can’t take it with you but you can send it ahead.”