| December 2024Dear Companion of St. Anthony:To grow to become more and more people of hope is the gift that our Church asks us to unwrap throughout our Season of Advent. To solidify us on the firm foundation of Christian Hope, the readings for this time in the life of the Church reintroduce us to some of the most hopeful people that ever lived on our planet. The Hebrew Prophets, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Baruch, Zephaniah etc., who often endured rejection by those to whom they were speaking their prophetic message. However, they preserved because of the hope that was their firm foundation that God would fulfill the promise that He made to them.We are also reintroduced to the insights of St. Paul, to John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, and their teachings and witness to the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ. We are offered a whole cast of “Advent people” to inspire and guide us in the twin purposed of this season, our preparation for the celebration Jesus’ birth and for Jesus’ Second Coming.What all these great figures invite us to as people of hope, is to prepare the way. They ask us to clear out any distractions or roadblocks so that when the time arrives that Jesus will find a place of hospitality in our hearts and minds. The colors of Advent – violet and rose – remind us of the penitential yet again hopeful nature of this time of the Church’s year. Penance, not only as a sacrifice but most importantly as a turning toward Jesus- a change of heart. This is our call. How might we respond?The responsorial psalm (#25) refrain for the first Sunday of Advent says it well, “To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.” May the intercession of St. Anthony help make this a reality for us all. Peace,  Friar Gary W. Johnson, OFM Conv. |
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