Embracing Hope: Advent and Journey

Pedro Emilio Ramirez Ramos, pmé

We begin a new liturgical cycle. Changes in the seasons and calendars are important as they help us become aware of time and the significance of life. Everything is grace when we look at events through the eyes of faith and with hearts wrapped in hope.


The season of Advent is a time of waiting and awareness, a time to remain awake and alert to the signs of hope surrounding us. During Advent, we meditate on Christ’s coming, both in history and in the future. We reread our history and the world’s history in light of the prophecies of Advent, for this season is itself a prophecy of hope that transforms our existence into a history of salvation.


The key to this rereading is given to us by Jesus, born in Bethlehem of Judea, son of the carpenter and Mary (Lk 2:11; Mt 13:55-57), who will return in the same way he ascended to the Father’s house at the end of time (Acts 1:11). This dual perspective enriches our spiritual journey, our “advents,” and invites us to live in expectant vigilance for the Lord’s return.


The four weeks of Advent are designed to deepen believers’ understanding of this season. We prepare for a Mystery of Goodness that we do not fully see but that is very near to us.



The first week 


The first week emphasizes vigilance and preparation for Christ’s final coming, urging us to be ready. “Redemption is near”; the Kingdom is just around the corner. The readings of this week “recharge our batteries” and energize us, urging us to lift our heads, look closely, stay vigilant, and open our minds to the signs of hope that shine like fireflies in the night of difficulties.


The second week 

In the second week of Advent, a voice resounds from the deep solitude of the desert: the voice of the prophet John, calling us to prepare the way of the Lord. The readings focus on the call to conversion and the embrace of God’s infinite mercy, an eternal love that never fades and encompasses all humanity and creation, “like a shepherd seeking the lost sheep, lifting it in his arms and nurturing it.”




The third week


The third week, known as the week of Joy, invites us to sing with the prophets, psalmists, and all who have gone before us in faith, for God has removed mourning and tears from us and given us reasons to rejoice. Salvation is drawing ever closer! The Gospel readings this week highlight the signs of Jesus as the promised Messiah.



The fourth week  


The fourth week of Advent focuses on love and faithfulness, culminating in the preparation for the celebration of the Redeemer’s birth, the Messiah, the Lord. The poor, vulnerable, and excluded, who have remained faithful to God’s promises despite hardships and struggles, now hear God’s voice fulfilling what was promised.
The readings this week emphasize God’s faithfulness and mercy in sending His Son, inspiring believers to reflect on the love Christ brings to the world. This week encourages us to open our hearts to the compassion and tenderness brought by Christ’s incarnation.
During this week, Mary is presented as a model of faith, a disciple, and a missionary who goes to the world’s peripheries to announce the joy of the Good News growing within her.


How can we cultivate a sense of vigilance and hope in our daily lives as we prepare for Christmas?