A Message from the Office of the Vice President for Religious Affairs

A Message to All UNO-Rians from the Office of the Vice President for Religious Affairs

On December 1, 2013 begins the season of Advent, a four-week season which starts the liturgical year (Cycle A: Year II). This is the proper time that gives us the opportunity to prepare ourselves properly for the coming birth anniversary of the Lord Jesus.

“Advent underlines the theme of preparedness for the coming again of the Lord. We are no longer used to think of His coming. But the early Christians not only thought of but longed for His coming. At the end of the book of Revelation (22:20), we read, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (cf. 365 Days with the Lord: Reflection on the First Sunday of Advent).

During Advent, “we must include in our Christmas planning some genuine reflection on Christ in the manger and a resolution for personal and social renewal. He himself came among us as one who was lowly, humble and poor. At the same time He was the Messiah who redeemed us from every moral misery, as well as the prophet of hope of the Kingdom of heaven” (Pope Paul VI).

This year, let us not lose the value of the Advent Season to gift—shopping and pre-Christmas parties. Rather, let us take advantage of the blessings of Advent and use them to be with Jesus.

May Advent help us experience the joy of welcoming and being with Jesus this Christmas 2013 and throughout the rest of the coming years!

(SGD.) REV. FR. CORNELIO E. MORAL, OAR
November 27, 2013