First Week of Advent

John the Baptist very appropriately ushers us into Advent.  As a prophet, he fulfilled the task of preparing his world for the coming of the Messiah.  His message of repentance reminds us, as all of the prophets did, that God’s people longed for the coming of the Saviour.  As a herald of glad tidings, John announced the Saviour’s arrival in the person of Jesus:  “Behold the Lamb of God”.

John prepared for Jesus’ coming with quiet prayer.  Today he would invite us to join him in praying “Come Lord Jesus”.  At the same time he announced Jesus’ coming to the world that needed of Jesus’ love and compassionate mercy.  John invites us once again to join in his announcement of Good News.

Please join Regis in quiet prayer and in active proclamation this Advent.  Both are generous gifts with and for Regis’ ministry.

“Remaining or falling asleep is often much easier than embracing who we are called to be.  No wonder it is such a temptation.  So, sleeper awake!  Be aware. Be alert.”

(Lecia Kiska in Called to Pray, 2011, eds., Gilles Mongeau, SJ & Brett Salkeld.)