If you wanted to sum up the meaning of Advent, this beautiful and reflective season of waiting, you could do it with just one profound question: What are you waiting for?
What are we waiting for? We're waiting for Christ, who came as a baby, who will come again in glory, but who is also here now. He's present in the laughter of our children, in the forgiveness we share after an argument, in the quiet moments of prayer as a family.
Waiting for Christ isn't passive. It's about actively building our lives on the foundation of His love. And nowhere is this more important than in our families. A strong family, built on faith, is the best preparation for a flourishing life here on earth and for eternity.
Built on Rock
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus talks about building a house on rock. He tells us that when storms come, only the house built on a firm foundation will stand. So, what is the “rock” in our families? It's not just rules or routines. It's the unwavering love that binds us together, the forgiveness that heals our wounds, the faith that gives us hope even in the darkest times.
Advent invites us to “repair what is broken” in our families and our lives. It's a time to prepare a strong foundation so we can weather any storm. This Advent, let's make a conscious effort to “repair what is broken” in our families. Let's have those difficult conversations, let's put down our phones and truly listen to each other, let's create space for prayer and reflection together.
Reflecting the Love of Christ
We have examples to inspire us: Jim Orcutt, the founder of My Brother's Keeper, a Christian ministry in eastern Massachusetts that delivers food and furniture to those in need, showed us the transformative power of small, individual acts of kindness. Dorothy Day reminded us that Christ is present in everyone we meet. Their lives challenge us to see Christ in others and to be Christ for those around us. This Advent, let's ask ourselves: How can we reflect Christ's love in our families and communities? When was the last time someone mistook you for Jesus?
So, what are we waiting for? We are waiting for Christ, who comes to us in every moment, especially through the love we share in our families. Friends, let us not simply wait for Christmas Day. Let us prepare for a flourishing and fulfilled life—here on earth and for eternity. Let us build our families on the rock of Christ, so that together, we become beacons of His love, shining brightly in a world that desperately needs His light.
This Advent, I encourage you to read the Gospel of Luke together as a family. Discover anew the joy of waiting for Christ. In this season of preparation, may we encounter Him more deeply and build lives rooted firmly in His love.
- Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")