‘Be watchful and reflect this Advent’

As Christendom marks the Second Sunday of Advent today, a priest reminds the faithful of the true essence of the four Sundays that precede the celebration of Christmas – that is, to be watchful.

“Advent is a time for us all to look inside ourselves. That is to be watchful and alert: To closely examine ourselves to see who we really are this past year. Have we matured, have we grown not only physically but also intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually? To be watchful means being on guard with the evil lurking deep within us,” said Rev. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog of the Parish of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist (Parokya ni San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista) in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

“Hence, the Advent Season is closely linked with Lent though the spirit of contrition is not much pronounced. But like in Lent, Advent invites us to look inside our hearts to see what’s occupying it, what’s filling it inside,” he added.

Lalog, in his homily for Advent, stressed that Christmas must be celebrated with Jesus in our hearts.

“Without Jesus in our hearts, there is no true Christmas at all in us, no matter how much we prolong its celebration in the calendar. Jesus cannot come in a heart filled not only with sins but also hardened by a refusal to forgive others or oneself for past sins and mistakes. Jesus cannot come in a heart full of resentments in life, lacking with love and appreciation,” he said in a Radio Veritas post.

The priest reminded the faithful to examine and look “both inside and outside one’s self.”

Today’s church rites will include the lighting of the candle of peace, the second purple candle in the Advent wreath.

Also known as the Bethlehem candle, the second purple candle “serves as a reminder that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that Jesus is King,” said Church leaders.

The first purple candle, the symbol of hope, that was lit last Sunday on the First Sunday of Advent, will also be lighted.