Advent retreat through the words of Pope Francis

Advent reflections

“Advent: the time to listen for footsteps – you can't hear footsteps when you're running yourself” (Bill McKibben).

The footsteps we often hear at this time of year are the hustle and bustle of rushing round the shops to get everything we need: food, drink, presents, cards, decorations…and so the list goes on.

But we should not confuse Advent with the month of December. By all means rush around and be busy in December; but don't let that be our celebration of Advent: let us devote time to Advent, the season of hushed expectation, because Advent is the only true way to reach that special date towards the end of the month of December.  

“Advent is a continuous call to hope: it reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal, to lead it to its fullness, which is the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ. God is present in the history of humanity, He is the “God-with-us”, God is not distant, he is always with us, to the extent that very often he knocks on the door to our heart” (Pope Francis).

Let us use this season of preparation to respond to the Lord so that we are ready when he comes.

“In a special way during these weeks, let us prepare the house of the heart with care, so that it is orderly and hospitable. In fact, keeping watch means keeping the heart ready. It is the attitude of the sentinel, who in the night is not tempted by weariness, does not fall asleep, but remains awake awaiting the coming light. The Lord is our light and it is good to dispose the heart to welcome him with prayer and to host him with charity” (Pope Francis).

The Programme

To guide us through the Advent season, to invite us to pause in silent expectation, reflections using the words of Pope Francis will be posted every Sunday and Wednesday in Advent, and then every day leading up to and including Christmas Day (22, 23, 24 and 25 December).

Join us on our Advent journey.