ADVENT: A HOPE FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

“Here and now
we live in an awareness of the ‘unfinished work’
that the returning Jesus wishes to see resolved
—the spread, in this world, of the Kingdom of God,
with its standards of justice and compassion
overcoming the habits of conflict and discord that afflict humanity,
fueled by a drive for self-preservation at all costs.

“That instinct breeds selfishness and violence,
which must be tamed by the spirit of sacrificial love
that is the governing principle of Christ’s eternal Kingdom.

“We are called to advance that Kingdom as best we can,
in the circumstances of our daily relationships and responsibilities,
uplifted by the hope that lights our way,
in the brightness of the Lord’s coming Day of Glory.

“May our Advent observance be a source of renewed hope,
amid so many disheartening signs.

“If Christmas tells us God keeps His promises,
Advent prays ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’” 

~ Msgr. Tim Shugrue