ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Liturgy of the Word for this First Sunday of Advent offers to us images both catastrophic and calming. In the passage from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, Jesus speaks in terrifying terms of the end of the world. Signs will appear in the sky, the nations will be in anguish, the sea will be in upheaval, and people will be frightened. These images hardly seem appropriate for the beginning of the joyful season of Advent. Yet, these words of Jesus are followed by His exhortation: Stand up straight and raise your heads, for your ransom is at hand.

The Church enters into the important season of Advent with two goals. Initially, we prepare our minds and hearts for the celebration of the Birth of Our Savior. Secondly, we prepare our minds and hearts for the day when Our Lord returns as our judge at the end of the world. It is for these reasons that the Church offers to us the images of tribulation, but also calming words which remind us that we who are followers of Christ and His Gospel have nothing to fear. We await His return and we will be prepared.

In this first Advent as your Archbishop, I take this opportunity to assure you that in the midst of the trials and distress which afflict our world and our Church, we have every reason to remain calm with minds and hearts fixed on Christ. Jesus came into the world to reveal the love and mercy of God our Father. Jesus is with us always and He guides us through every difficulty, even when we are least aware of His loving presence. He gives us the courage to stand and keep our heads raised as we give witness to the world that we are Christians and that we live joyfully in the light of Christ.

This season of grace also invites us to reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was the first person to experience the nearness of Christ when, in her womb, the Word became Flesh. The example of Mary, as she waited for the birth of her Son, shows us how to experience within us the presence of God, especially in the ordinariness of life. I ask everyone throughout this holy season to look to Mary. She will assist us in recognizing the nearness of Christ and His calming, guiding love.

With these sentiments, I entrust you all to Mary Mother of Jesus the Incarnate Word, Mother of God.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia