My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Today, we begin our Advent Season in preparation for Christmas. I would like to encourage you and spiritually accompany you to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus.
The past few months have been extremely challenging and traumatic for the world but the first Sunday of Advent begins with the theme of hope. Therefore, we are encouraged to look for hope. But where can we find hope in these troubled times? Do not be discouraged because overpowering all diseases, darkness and sadness is Jesus Christ who is our only source of hope, love and joy.
It is Jesus alone who brings us that light of hope to illuminate the darkness of our souls and breathe into us fresh rays of hope.
We can look at how some role models like Abraham, Job, Joseph and Mary, Elisabeth and the apostles who hoped on God’s providence expecting him to take care of their future and they were rewarded.
When life becomes challenging and stressful, we are called to rise above our challenges and be hopeful in our Lord Jesus Christ because in Christ alone is our hope for the future.
And as we rely on God’s providence, we are also called to reflect on our relationship with God; repent for our sins by making a good confession and renewing our relationship with God because He desires to have a relationship with us.
Besides your spiritual preparation, I am compelled to remind you to become an instrument of God’s hope and reach out to the poor; to those who have lost their jobs and their family members this year and help them to have a joyful Christmas in whatever way you can.
It is with great joy in my heart that I will be spiritually accompanying you in this season of Advent, praying for your needs and intentions and that of your family.
In Christ,
+Bishop Alwyn Barreto