Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As we begin the Holy Season of Advent and prepare ourselves for the birthday of our Savior Jesus Christ, our readings for the First Sunday of Advent remind us of the need of being vigilant at all times. Jesus says in the Gospel: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.”

There are several factors which can cause spiritual drowsiness; i.e., drunkenness, addition of all kinds, sin, an unforgiving heart, materialism, a secularist attitude and unbelief in God. As we begin Advent it is a time of sincere reflection on the condition of our soul. Is there anything I am over-indulging with or any person I need to work on my relationship with? St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Thessalonians, gives us the perfect advice: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all,” (1 Thess. 3:12). Therefore, let us forgive one another from the heart because forgiveness opens our hearts to God and love of neighbor. Have a fruitful Advent!

Fr. Birendra, Pastor