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© 2008, Frederick S. Schaeffer, SFO
333. Advent is a
special time
The focus of Advent is
preparation for the coming of the Lord -- both in commemoration of
His Nativity and His coming again at the end of time. Though most
Christians see this time of year as a part of the "Christmas
Season," it isn't; the Christmas season does not begin until the
first Mass at Christmas Eve.
The mood of Advent is one of spiritual preparation, and the gaudy
"Christmas" commercialism that surrounds it in the Western world
should be overcome as much as possible. The singing of Christmas
carols (which comes earlier and earlier each year), the talk of
"Christmas" as a present reality, the decorated trees and the
parties -- these things are "out of season" for Catholics; we should
strive to keep the Season of Advent holy and penitential, always
remembering, as they say, that "He is the reason for the
Season."
Secular Franciscans, once called the “Order of Penitents,” can make their
Advent Season very special in a very personal way. Penance must be
filled with a spirit of gratitude and joy, not pessimism. Through
the cross we share in Christ’s Resurrection. That’s a privilege he
grants to those he loves.
We know that suffering, pain, disappointments and fatigue are a part of
everyday life. St. Francis has shown us that these sufferings are an
opportunity to share an intimacy with Jesus in His mission of
salvation. So take this time of Advent, and really look for daily
opportunities to share this intimacy with Jesus’ suffering. St.
Francis of Assisi is such a great inspiration when it comes to
penance. Let’s make sure that we recognize Advent for what it really
is, a time of preparation for the coming of Our Lord. Some people
believe that the Christmas season begins around Thanksgiving...
that’s a worldly perception, and Franciscans know better than that.
Shove all this worldliness to the sidelines, and go on with the real
preparation for Christmas.
Advent is a great time
to practice daily conversion; for Franciscans however, this is
something we should be doing every day of the year. After all, we
strive for perfection and that takes a great deal of daily effort.
Spiritual reading helps us tremendously in keeping us going in the
right direction.
At this time of
preparation, the following two documents that came out of the SFO
General Chapter in November 2008 in Hungary, which I attended (as
CIOFS webmaster) are wonderful Franciscan formation guidelines and
are well worth reading.
Profession
of the Secular Franciscan by Fr. Felice Cangelosi, Gen. Vicar OFM Cap.
Sense of Belonging to the
SFO by Emanuela De Nunzio, former SFO General Minister
May the Lord bring you
peace, now and forever!
Fred Schaeffer, SFO
12/11/2008
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