Renew & Be Prepared in Advent

Dear brothers and sisters –

On the First Week of Advent, the beginning of our new liturgical year, I shared that our overall Advent theme for 2023 is EMBODY. We began Advent focusing on Reflecting and Being Watchful for what is to come. The very first words of the Mark Gospel last week, spoken by Christ Himself, “Be watchful! Be alert!”

On this Second Week, as we EMBODY Advent, we focus on Renewing and Being Prepared. In the first reading this week we find the prophet Daniel in anguish, suffering, in torment. He needed to be renewed. Many of us can relate as we are anguished and need to be renewed as well. Jesus in the Gospel has this to say about why we should be prepared: “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are to come.”

Waiting with you in Advent joyful anticipation –
Deacon Sandy