As Christendom marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown reminded the faithful that God is ever present amid the pandemic.
“Do not be afraid! God is here even in the midst of these difficulties. He is close to you. He loves you and He will carry us through these difficulties,” Brown said over Radio Veritas.
The new Papal envoy led the recent celebration of the third day of the “Simbang Gabi” (dawn Mass) at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Malate, Manila. The Church leader, in his homily, highlighted the strong faith in God of St. Joseph, who despite the odds, followed and trusted the Lord.
Brown called on the faithful, just like St. Joseph, to submit to the will of God amid the difficult times.
“These things will pass. These difficulties, especially this COVID-19 will not last forever; the Lord is with you,” Brown said as he encouraged the faithful to pray more to strengthen their faith.
In Catholic churches today, readings, prayers, and reflections will focus on the narratives and events that surround the final theme of the Advent season: The Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
Priests in violet vestments will lead church rites that include the lighting of the third purple candle – the symbol of love – in the Advent wreath to emphasize the nearness of the joyous celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ
The two purple candles, which symbolize penance and hope respectively, as well as the pink candle, which symbolizes joy, will be re-lighted, leaving only the white center candle, which symbolizes Christ. The white candle will be lighted during the “Misa de Gallo,” the Christmas Eve mass on Dec. 24, to herald the onset of Christmas.
Meanwhile, Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo called on the faithful, the youth in particular, “to reflect and examine their conscience and heart in preparation for Christmas.”
“Advent is a time for reflection for all the faithful, the young generation in particular. Examine what’s in your heart in preparation for the coming of our Savior,” Villarojo said in his message for Diocesan Youth Day 2020 which was held online recently.
“I urge everyone, especially the youth, to not think so much of material things. Rather, examine what is in your heart and rid yourself of things that burden you or things that do not help you grow in faith. Examine your conscience. Give what you can share. When we reflect and examine what’s in our heart, we can truly prepare for the Birth of Christ,” the prelate said.
“The coming of our Savior reminds us to rise up and prepare for our final destination,” Villarojo added.