Catholics prepare for Lord’s coming

Advent wreath. JIMMY HILARIO

The Catholic Church began Sunday the four-week preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas with the celebration of the first day of Advent.

Masses all over the world will read the Gospel according to Mark where Jesus exhorts His disciples to “Be watchful! Be alert!” for His coming.

Beyond the remembrance of the birth of Jesus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says Advent points to the faithful’s renewal of “their ardent desire for his second coming.”

As in Lent, Catholics are urged to fast, reflect, repent, give alms, and do good deeds to prepare for accepting Jesus.

In his “Faith Exposed” message on Youtube, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said this year’s Advent celebration in the Philippines is “also part of our preparation for the Pope’s apostolic visit … in 2015.”

Speaking on preparation during Advent, Tagle cited a message of Pope Francis earlier this year.

The Pontiff, Tagle noted, said that this intermediary time was being given to us to “keep the lamp of faith, hope and charity burning” and to “keep our hearts open to goodness, beauty and truth.”

The Cardinal said the Pope was telling us that “It’s a time to live according to God.”

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