Reflection at Evensong
by Sister Margaret Banville, O.Ss.R
When I entered religious life, almost 60 years ago, I already had the custom of attending daily Mass. I would leave home fasting and would seldom get any breakfast before starting work in an office in downtown Toronto. I made that kind of sacrifice to be able to go to Mass in Advent, but I didn’t have a clue to the liturgical richness of this beautiful season contained in the Divine Office. Here is a sample of what I mean:
In the vigil Office last night [1st Sunday of Advent], we read a catechetical instruction of Saint Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem. He speaks of two comings of Christ: (Remember that the word “Advent” means “coming”).
At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment. In the first coming he endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels.
Advent is a time of longing and hope. We know our Savior has come and will come again. This is our faith. We also know that even though we may not live until his final coming at the end of time, he will come for each of us when our lifespan is complete.
Let our Advent prayer be: Come, Lord Jesus!
In the vigil Office last night [1st Sunday of Advent], we read a catechetical instruction of Saint Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem. He speaks of two comings of Christ: (Remember that the word “Advent” means “coming”).
At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment. In the first coming he endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels.
Advent is a time of longing and hope. We know our Savior has come and will come again. This is our faith. We also know that even though we may not live until his final coming at the end of time, he will come for each of us when our lifespan is complete.
Let our Advent prayer be: Come, Lord Jesus!
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