Focusing on our hearts this Advent

Here in the Central Administrative Offices of the Diocese, there are no Christmas decorations to be seen. Though this may seem strange since it is well into December, it is our small way of focusing on the season of Advent. In fact, instead of a staff Christmas party, we’ll celebrate nearer to the Epiphany so that we might more fully enter into Advent during these weeks.

While certainly many of us are decorating our homes and preparing gifts for family and friends, it is helpful for me to be reminded that it is still the season of Advent – a season of hopeful expectation. How blessed we are that the Church gives us these distinctive liturgical seasons – times to step aside and look at our spiritual lives, to rely more heavily on the Lord.

I am always particularly struck by the readings during Advent, which shed so much light on the path to which I am called. Today’s reading, from Isaiah says:

light on dark water

Thus says the LORD, your redeemer,
the Holy One of Israel:
I, the LORD, your God,
teach you what is for your good,
and lead you on the way you should go.

What a wonderful question for Advent: where are You leading me? How can I better listen to You? Why did You become Man for me?

This week, Bishop Loverde writes about the interior state of our hearts. He asks us:

“Are we losing our zeal, our willingness to stand out from the crowd, our ardor for the truth of the faith?” His column seeks to inspire us to examine our hearts, to truly embrace our faith once again this Advent season.

Consider taking a few moments to reflect on Advent and read the entirety of Bishop Loverde’s column here.