If there is one thing that most of us know, it’s that holiness is a lifelong process. It’s not like a level in a videogame where you achieve it and move on. As in the First Reading, we constantly have the opportunity to be purified by a refiner’s fire.

These periods of refinement are particularly available to us during liturgical seasons like Advent and Lent. Understanding that we live in space and time, God has given the Church these times of preparation — in this case, preparation to receive the Son of God at Christmas time.

So, how has your Advent gone? There are many years for me where I reach the end of Advent and realize that I didn’t achieve the quietness of heart I desired, I didn’t make room to prepare myself for Christ’s birth.

The good thing is, there is always time for us to make time for prayer and ask others to pray for us. Did you know that many religious communities have prayer as one of their foundational apostolates? If you’re in need of some extra prayers this Advent and Christmas season, let the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word pray for you! This community of men religious in Alabama have as their primary mission communicating the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith (on the EWTN network and in person). Talk about people committed to helping people towards life-long holiness!

Christmas is almost here! Regardless of how your Advent has gone thus far, we can all join together in this prayer from the Gospel Acclamation today: “O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!”

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1 COMMENT

  1. It has been a challenge to observe Advent when so many are celebrating Christmas.
    My priest suggested the Liturgy of the Hours which has helped me stay focused. The daily Advent messages by Bishop Robert Barron have been a great help.

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