Advent Message from the Pastor December 8, 2024

My dear brothers and sisters,

We have entered the season of Advent—a time of joyful anticipation and heartfelt preparation. The spirit of Christmas is already in the air. Around us, malls and homes are lit up and beautifully decorated. The professional and business communities have begun hosting Christmas parties, while Churches and Christian communities are organizing liturgical, social, and communal celebrations to share the spirit of Christmas.

These outward preparations – colorful lights, decorations, and gifts—are a source of relief and joy during the cold and dark winter months. Yet, I wonder, do these external expressions risk overshadowing the true meaning of Advent? At its heart, Advent calls us to embrace the virtue of patiently waiting.

In a world driven by instant gratification and immediate solutions, patience has become a rare virtue. Even nature is hurried along—for example, artificial lighting is used to trick hens into laying more eggs! We rush through life, eager to experience everything as quickly as possible. Yet the truth remains: the most important things in life cannot be rushed. They require time, effort, and waiting patiently.

Think of a mother waiting for her child to be born and then watching patiently as that child grows as an infant to adulthood. Consider a teacher guiding a slow learner with persistence and care. Similarly, we, like the Israelites, are called to patiently wait for the Lord. He came to us in history, He will come again to judge us, and He comes to us daily in our lives—just as He revealed Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

In times of confusion or trouble, a patient heart and a listening ear are essential to recognizing His presence among us. Advent is a season for such spiritual preparation, a time to quiet our hearts and open ourselves to encountering Him anew.

Let us make use of this three-week journey to draw closer to the Lord. On Sunday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m., we will have a special Advent reflection led by Fr. Michael Coutts, S.J., on the theme “The Light of Christ.” Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Let us gather to reflect on how we can carry His light into a world often shadowed by darkness.

May this Advent season lead us to the joy of Christmas, filling our hearts with gratitude and transforming our lives with His presence.

In Christ’s love,

Fr. James Cherickal, Your Pastor