Advent
‘Hope’ has been such a strong and constant desire in 2020 during the Melbourne covid restrictions. Many have hoped to be reunited with their love ones, many have hoped to go on a holiday once again or even to sit inside a restaurant and enjoy a meal.
We have had a strong feeling and expectation for things to be ‘normal’ again.
The season of Advent is a season of hope. The word originates from the Latin verb ‘advenire’, meaning to come or to arrive, and has a two-fold purpose: first, to remind us of the birth of Jesus and second, to ready us for Christ’s Second Coming. As we state in every Sunday liturgy of the Holy Mass Advent reminds us that “we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our saviour, Jesus Christ”.
The Christian virtue of hope is not just a level of optimism; it is something very different. It is a choice to trust in God’s providence aided by His grace. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says, “it is in Christ that we hope, and it is him that we await”. It is “in hope that we have been saved”. (Romans 8:24).
As we prepare for the joy of Christmas, let us try to live Advent as best we can remembering why we are supposed to be hopeful. Christmas is not just about gifts or parties, though these are wonderful things in their own right. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ who brings meaning and hope to our world.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and students who have embraced and supported our students in the formation of their faith. In particular, I am very grateful for the great work of the Faith and Mission Team – Trudy Binks (Learning Area Leader of Religious Education), Melinda Martinek (Ministry Ensemble Leader) and Laura Mason (Social Justice & Community Service Leader).
May you and your families have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
Sunday Gospel Focus
We know not the hour the Lord will come.
