Advent: Preparing the Way for Christ – Dec 08 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 08, 2024, on how Advent calls us to prepare for Christ by removing sins and living in the present.

Father begins by reflecting on the Advent prayer, emphasizing the importance of heavenly wisdom in preparing to meet Christ. He recalls a profound statement by Pope Benedict XVI: "God comes not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today, now," which underscores living in the present and preparing ourselves spiritually by removing obstacles like sin.

He explains that mortal sin completely blocks God from dwelling in the soul, whereas venial sin, though less severe, still hinders God’s free movement in our lives. To illustrate, he uses an analogy of a cluttered room, representing venial sins that impede spiritual growth. Deliberate venial sins—such as judgment, retaliation, or laziness—are highlighted as obstacles that need removal for holiness. Father recalls advice from Father Thomas Dubay, encouraging resolutions to avoid deliberate venial sins, particularly during Advent, a season for examination and repentance.

Father encourages the faithful to rely on the Blessed Virgin Mary for the grace to overcome sin and prepare their hearts for the Lord.

For Further Reading
Philippians 3:14 NAB - Strive for the heavenly prize - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/3?14
Matthew 6:34 NAB - Do not worry about tomorrow - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?34
Isaiah 59:2 NAB - Your sins have hidden God’s face - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/59?2
Psalm 139:23-24 NAB - Examine me, God, and know my heart - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139?23
CCC 1854 - Classification of sins - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1854.htm
CCC 1692 - Christian life prepares for heaven - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1692.htm conduct/
CCC 2677 - Mary as intercessor - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2677.htm

00:00 – Introduction and Opening Prayer
00:39 – Advent Focus: God Comes Now
01:26 – Obstacles to Holiness: Sin
03:34 – Venial Sin as Spiritual Clutter
06:56 – Removing Obstacles with Mary’s Help
07:24 – Call to Examine Conscience and Close

Ave Maria!

Mass: 2nd Sunday of Advent - Sunday
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120824.cfm
1st: bar 5:1-9
Resp: psa 126:1-6
2nd: phi 1:4-6, 8-11
Gsp: luk 3:1-6

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1242

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