4th Sunday of Advent
(Sunday 18th December 2016)
So let us improve in patience by waiting and using Advent well – (Matthew 1:18-24)
It is true to say that for lots of people today, salvation is something that the individual does for himself or herself. We can all get caught up in ‘auto (or self) salvation’. How many times have we thought, ” I will get fit, get into shape, go on a diet, get things ordered and be in control of my life” or “I will get a different job, save money, buy nice things and be set up in comfort.” This kind of idea is an attempt to be in control of my life, to put my trust in my own strength and powers. Even though not explicit it excludes God and God’s action in my life.
Jesus’s words to us are – CHANGE, – ” Repent and believe”. Jesus is telling us that He is the way. He is Salvation. I will not save myself. It is not possible. The very name of Jesus basically means in Hebrew -‘God saves’. That is the very meaning and mission of the life of Jesus. Advent is a time to put ourselves into God’s way of thinking. It is a time of training, of preparation. It is an opportunity to wait and expand our hearts, to ready ourselves for God’s action. It is good to wait, to slow down. Don’t anticipate Christmas day. Wait. Have patience.
The Rosary is an excellent prayer for Advent because we wait with Mary as she awaits the time of the birth of the Saviour and it takes time to recite it. It increases our patience which is a necessary virtue. Patience is the virtue of the interior life. Charity is the virtue of the exterior life. So let us improve in patience by waiting and using Advent well.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan (Bishop of Waterford & Lismore)