Dear Parishioners,

Starting from the First Sunday of Advent, we begin to enter a new Liturgical Year.  Advent has two characteristics: the first, remembering the first coming of the Son of God to humanity; the second characteristic is that the faithful look forward to Christ’s second coming.  The Gospel of the First Sunday of Advent, Year B (Mk 13:33-37) emphasizes Jesus’ call to everyone: “Be watchful! Be alert!  You do not know when the time will come” (Mk 13:33).  So, how should we be watchful?

First, stay awake by repenting of our sins and asking God for forgiveness.  If you are living in grace with God, thank God and try to keep yourself in that state.  Those who are living in sin, please repent and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Second, stay awake by living worthy of God’s blessings.  God gives us his grace to be his children, to be in the Church, and to be saved.  So, we should humbly use God’s gifts to fulfill our daily duties in worshiping God, serving the Church, and helping others.  When we do so, we are living alertly waiting for the Lord’s coming.  Third, stay awake by praying faithfully, receiving the Sacraments diligently, and practicing charity joyfully.  Praying turns our minds to God and helps us live close to Him.  Receiving the Sacraments keeps the soul’s lamp burning brightly waiting for the Lord’s coming.  Practicing charity for others reminds us of God’s presence in our lives.  Thus, being watchful in waiting for God’s coming means always living the present moment fully and hopefully.  “Maranatha - Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

Yours in Christ,  Lam Vo