It is Advent again

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is the time of the year where people starts to prepare for the the yuletide season. It is also a Christian season of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. In the Catholic liturgical calendar, there are four Sundays of advent because it is a four-week period that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

In this article, I invited two individuals to share their thoughts on advent. They are Sr. Lucy Atuel, a Benedictine nun, and Analiza Fulvadora or Eng Eng to her friends. Sr. Lucy is assigned in the San Pedro Cathedral while Eng Eng is the CLM (commentators and lectors ministry) coordinator of Sta. Ana Shrine parish. I gave them two questions to ponder upon: What is advent for you? And How do you prepare your advent, especially the four Sundays of Advent?

Analiza Fulvadora

Analiza: For someone like me who has been busy almost all year, Advent becomes a precious time to slow down a bit and find a quiet moment for simple reflection. It reminds me that this season is not about rushing toward Christmas, but about slowing a bit, praying more, and renewing my trust in God’s promises.

I try to prepare for Advent in simple but meaningful ways. Each of the four Sundays becomes a reminder to grow in a particular grace.

First Sunday: Hope.

I spend time in reflecting on the hope that Christ brings even in difficult or uncertain times that happened to me during the year. I ask the Lord to help me see His presence in the small blessings around me. (mag HOPE pud ko mam weng na unta aside sa bonus naa pay laing grasya nga muabot)

Second Sunday: Peace.

I focus on creating peace—both within myself and in my dealings with others. This may mean forgiving someone, reaching out to reconnect, or simply practicing patience. (magtext ko akong mga gipang “ghost” kay naglagot ko sa ila dati or magsend ko ug pangumusta sa mga dugay2 na nako gipang deadma, ug sa patience na side grabe pud ang hagit ani kay daghan deadlines sa trabaho dapat dili ko saputon)

Third Sunday: Joy (Gaudete Sunday).

I look for moments of joy that God places in my life and share that joy with others, especially through small acts of kindness. (usually naga DIY ko mam sa akong pangtagaan ug mga simple gifts, labi na akong mga officemates na mga katoliko gamay na lang man mi sa UP nga catholics, maghatag ko ug DIY na belen or advent wreath na simple lang gud)

Fourth Sunday: Love.

As Christmas draws near, I focus on love expressed through service. I try to be more generous (sa akong family) and more available to the people around me. It is also a time to offer my heart to the Lord in prayer, thanking Him for the guidance, protection and blessings nga gihatag niya sa ako all throughout the year.

Sr. Lucy Atuel, OSB

Sr. Lucy, OSB: Advent for me is to prepare and deepen my faith in God despite the challenges and the calamities we encounter this year that makes me weak and discourage. That is why in this season of advent I offer prayers to strengthen my faith.

I prepare for my advent by doing something good to better myself and my ministry; deepen my understanding, my patience and be matured in dealing with everything; and most especially by getting away with all my negativity.