“Advent - A time of Expectation and Hope!”

We greet the dawn of Advent with the promises of hope, forgetting the past uncertainties and starting a new beginning.  Just as every drop of snow falling on the foliage makes it glitter, similarly, this season offers us, new adventures in life and a moment of transition in our spiritual journey. This Kairos moment invites us to long eagerly for the coming of the Messiah and prepare for the mystical encounter between the divinity and humanity.

“From the stump of Jesse, a shoot will come forth; from his roots a branch will grow and bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him; a Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, a Spirit of Counsel and Power, a Spirit of Knowledge and Fear of the Lord. And he will take delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by appearance, nor will he decide by hearsay; but with Righteousness he will judge the poor, and with equity he will decide for the meek of the land. He will strike the land with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be the belt around his waist, and Faithfulness the belt around his hips. (Is. 11: 1 – 5) 

Isaiah the Prophet, is the first to announce the Messiah, a future king who would surpass even David. In this poem, the Prophet extols his qualities. “The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him”. The Spirit gives life to created things, inspires God’s specially chosen leaders, and is the source of special skills and knowledge. Through this Spirit, the Messiah will have the outstanding virtues of his ancestors; the wisdom and understanding of Solomon; the prudence and power of David; the knowledge and godly fear of Moses and the Patriarchs.

Anointed fully with this Spirit, the Messiah-king will be the ideal ruler of justice and compassion – bringing about a new reign of total Shalom (peace and wholeness) to all people and all of creation. Our God is the God who ever comes and He never disappoints us. He came at a precise moment of history and became human to take our sins upon Himself. The same Lord knocks at the door of our hearts. Do we hear His knock, open our hearts and allow the Lord to have His way in our lives? During this Advent let you and me make an introspection and become aware of the areas of our life that need to be transformed. Let us become aware of the vices in us and may the Spirit of the Lord turn them to virtues in order to live a life worthy of our calling.

Given below is a small quote from Pope Francis’ message for Advent:

“Advent is a continuous call to hope,” the Pope underlined. “It reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal and to its fullness, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. God is present in the history of humanity, He is the ‘God-with-us’, He walks beside us to support us.”

Pope Francis concluded by saying, “The Lord never abandons us; He accompanies us through the events of our lives to help us discover the meaning of the journey, the meaning of everyday life, to give us courage when we are under duress or when we suffer. In the midst of life’s storms, God always extends His hand to us and frees us from threats. 

 Maranatha come Lord Jesus come and make us like YOU.

Sr. Prabha Malayil
Provincial Superior
Tanmaya Province, India