2nd Week of Advent 2018 - Monday - Advent Love

As I mentioned last week, the four candles of the Advent wreath traditionally represent the four Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. The second candle symbolizing Christian Charity has now has been lit. So, this week we meditate on the love infusing this beautiful season—the love of God which transforms us to love others.

In the fourth century, Saint Augustine wrote, “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.”

In the Gospel, we see Christian love beautifully illustrated in the companions of the paralyzed man. Aware of their friend’s misery, they use their hands and feet to overcome obstacles to bring their friend to the Lord.

To grow in Advent charity, our eyes, ears, hands, and feet are to be placed in greater service of God, greater service of those in need. We are to become that 2nd Advent candle, shining with good works, works of charity. As the Lord teaches, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Pope Benedict XVI wrote his first encyclical on Love. Love, which is not a sentiment, not an emotion, but an action which seeks the healing and the wholeness of others. My favorite line from any papal encyclical in the past 20 years, and probably the only line from a papal document I can quote from memory comes is this: “Love is the light—and in the end, the only light—that can always illuminate a world grown dim.”

Whose dark world will you make brighter today? Whose paralysis will you bring to the Lord? How will you be a true loving friend today, by bringing someone to Jesus in your words and deeds? Who needs the use of your hands, feet, eyes, and ears?

May our love increase, and may the light of Christ’s love be evident in us, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

For an increase in charity among the Christian people, that we may be cleansed of every vain and selfish desire in order to become instruments of the love of God.

That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.

For all the sick and suffering, the homeless, the unemployed, those suffering from addictions, and anyone in any kind of distress.

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

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.