Greetings in Christ, all!
I am writing this article way ahead of time due to publishing restraints…as a result, I obviously won’t be able to comment on any current events.
This is the first week of Advent. Advent is a four-week season in the Church, during which time we are to prepare our hearts for the Second Coming of Christ. The word “Advent” comes to us from the Latin translation of the word “Parousia,” which refers to Jesus coming again at the end of time.
This week also kicks off the New Year in the Church calendar (we follow a different calendar than the one we use in daily life), so happy New Liturgical Year to all as well!
Until the 13th century, priests wore black robes while praying Mass during Advent, but the color moved to violet or purple sometime shortly after the reign of Pope Innocent III (Pope from 1198 until 1216) and that tradition has held on since then. It is my understanding that the shift to purple was done as a reflection of the Kingship of Jesus and His imminent return.
In this Advent Season, we prepare for Christ’s Second coming by fasting and upping our prayer…we ask for the grace to grow in trust in His goodness and providence.
May God bless our Advent Season with great joy!
Fjk
