Monday of the 1st Week of Advent 2017 - Watchful in prayer, exultant in praise

Unlike the weekdays of Ordinary Time, the weekdays of Advent have their own particular collect prayer, prayer over the gifts, and prayer after communion.

During the seasons of the year, these prayers, which the priest offers to God on behalf of the Church, are not mere formalities before we get to the meat of the mass, they help us focus our attention on the aspect of the mystery of God that we are celebrating.

The prayers for Advent, for example, have a double focus. Advent prepares us to celebrate the historical birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and also prepares us to welcome his second coming at the end of time. The collects, prayers over the gifts, and prayers after communion often contain theology and scriptural references which help us to focus on these themes.

This is one reason I like to chant these prayers; chanting draws them out a little bit, slows us down so we can reflect on the words that are being offered. So you should listen attentively to these prayers, just as you listen to the scripture readings and the prayers at the altar.

Today’s Collect prayer hearkens to the Gospel we heard yesterday on the 1st Sunday of Advent where the Lord urges us to stay awake for the return of the Master of the House. Listen again to the words of today’s collect prayer: “Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord Our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that, when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise.”

Joined with the command to stay awake for the master’s return from yesterday’s Gospel is a reference to the well-known passage from the book of Revelations: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him and he with me.  I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne.”

Advent teaches us to be prepared, to be ready, to be alert for the many ways Christ comes to us. Advent helps us listen better, more attentively, to the many ways Christ knocks at the doors of our hearts, to perhaps even be attuned and opened to new ways.

To remain ready and alert, the Collect tells us that we must be watchful in prayer. Every day this season should be characterized by this prayerful watchfulness and listening.

Like the Blessed Virgin sitting in her house in Nazareth with the book of the prophet Isaiah open on her lap, pondering, waiting on the Lord, we need to be attentive to the scriptures of this season, the liturgical prayers of this season, the cries of the poor this season, to hear the Lord knocking on the doors of our lives. that we may welcome him more fully, and rejoice with him more completely, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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As we await with longing the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, we raise up our prayers of petitions.
That Christ may visit his holy Church and always find her watchful in prayer.

That Christ may fill the Pope, our Bishop, and all the clergy with spiritual gifts and graces.

That Christ may guide the minds of those who govern us to promote the commong good according to His Holy Will.

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, and ward off every affliction.

For Pope Francis prayer intention for the month of December, “That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations.”

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant tha the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.