Fr Papi Ready 
November 27, 2022, is another day that was wonderful for the catholic church as a whole and in particular the faithful of St. Joseph the worker parish Sikka Hadid Wau. It is the first Sunday of Advent. A season in which we are invited by God through mother church to listen to Him in through the gospel of St. Mathew. The message is clear, God wants to save humanity. “God wants to gather all nations in peace in his kingdom” (see, Isiah 2: 1-5).
God invites us to go to Him, to walk in the light of the lord, let us give up the things we do in the dark; let us appear in the light, let us live a good life, and let us stay awake and stand ready. (This is the summary of the readings of the first Sunday of Advent).
We are invited during the first week of advent to make some changes in our Thoughts, Words, and deeds and give up the greatest obstacle between God and us: A habit of sin, a person, place, or thing, leading us to sin. What is good in us we need to make it grow; what is pleasing to God, let it become stronger.
We need to be alert and watchful while spiritually preparing for Christmas:
- By beginning each by praying for the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to prepare ourselves for the birth of Emmanuel in our hearts.
- By offering our daily work to God for his glory
- By practicing more self-control in resisting our habits or inclination to evil and sin.
- By seeking reconciliation daily with God, our families, and Neighbours
- By asking for God’s pardon and forgiveness like we also extend our unconditional forgiveness to others.
- By focusing so that we can see the face of Jesus in every person we meet, live with, and share.
When the above thing become our habits the Power of God will give us courage, we need to keep the spirit of Advent, then we will have indeed come nearer to God and people. May the good God accompany us on our journey of renewal and growth in our relationships with him and one another. Have a blessed season of Advent to you, your families, and your communities.
