On this second day of Advent, we must be careful to get off to a good start. We need to come to the Lord, to Mass, to prayer, and to repentance when the Lord orders us to “come” (see Mt 8:9). We also need to do good, do justice (Is 1:17), and do His will when Jesus commands us: “Do this” (see Mt 8:9). Jesus is God and He alone knows how to prepare us for His special coming this Christmas. Consequently, with the centurion we should say to Jesus: “Just give an order” (Mt 8:8).

It’s so easy to let Advent slip away and become so distracted and self-absorbed at Christmas time that we miss Christ’s coming. The Church has had centuries of Advents. It has learned (often the hard way) that the Lord has decided to make Advent necessary for us to get ready to meet Him. So let us ask the Lord what His will is for us this Advent. Let us obey the Lord more carefully than we would obey a corporation paying us millions of dollars or a doctor trying to save our lives if we were critically ill.

Christ’s coming this Christmas is more important than profit or health. Seek to find God’s orders for you this Advent. Then obey Him carefully (see Rm 6:17).

Rescript:  In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2022, through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.