LITURGY Lines (CL 30/11/08) says, “Now that Advent no longer has a penitential focus …”
I wonder if it is all necessary to state that Advent “no longer has a penitential focus”, or if this is the teaching of Holy Mother Church at all?
Advent nevertheless is a moment of discovery; it is at this moment where we as Church contemplate, move slow, to discover the mystery of the Love of God made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
I am a youth who is amazed by the person of St Francis of Assisi, and throughout Francis’ life Francis observed many days alone.
Francis spent a number of periods in a year set aside to discover the Mystery of God, and yes he did discover God.
Francis discovered more and more the Love, which is God, made flesh in the person of Christ to the extent that the image of Christ’s Love were imprinted in Francis’ very body; Francis was imprinted with the wounds of Christ called the stigmata.
“Penitential”, I wonder what we as Church understand on this word today? This can be a huge word, knowing that we live in a society that is afraid of pain and afraid of the need to wait.
To me I see Advent as a moment to focus on Christ, the Love of God made flesh, to become more intimate with Him.
And yes, I increase my attendance at Mass, I become more aware on the need of prayer, I make a point for the sacrament of Confession and I observe fasting on Fridays (with additional days included whenever I can).
Maybe, this can be considered penitential; nevertheless my focus is to discover Christ by pulling myself away from my normal daily routines and become more intimate with my God.
Therefore, to teach that “Advent no longer has a penitential focus” is not totally true.
We need a new way, in line with Vatican II, to teach the purpose and richness of Advent.
KENNETH GAN
Toowong, Qld
