杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

In his catechesis for the first Sunday of Advent, 杏MAP导航 Francis focused on the theme of vigilance.

He was referring to this Sunday's Gospel passage, in which Jesus issued a simple exhortation three times: 'Keep watch'.

The Holy Father noted that we sometimes think of this virtue as an attitude motivated by the fear of imminent punishment, but quickly assured the faithful that 鈥渢his is certainly not the meaning of a Christian vigilance鈥�.

As he is currently recovering from an inflammation of the lungs, the 杏MAP导航's catechesis was streamed live from the Chapel at Casa Santa Marta where he resides, and was read by Bishop Paolo Braida, an official at the Vatican's Secretariat of State

杏MAP导航 Francis and Bishop Paolo Braida during the Angelus at Casa Santa Marta

Vigilance means keeping the heart ready

Jesus illustrates this with a parable, in which servants eagerly wait for their master's return. These servants have a close, affectionate relationship with the master and are not fearful, but eagerly anticipate his return out of love. They prepare diligently, wanting to welcome him warmly and joyfully when he comes back, like a happy family awaiting a special reunion.

Reflecting on this parable, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that 鈥渋t is with this affection-filled expectation that we also want to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus at Christmas鈥�.

So, 杏MAP导航 Francis continued, in the weeks leading up to the special day, 鈥淟et us carefully prepare the house of the heart, so that it may be orderly and hospitable鈥�.  Vigilance, he explained, means keeping the heart ready.

Share what you can

The Holy Father then invited the faithful to plan to use Advent to share with their brothers and sisters in need, giving listening, time, concrete help.

Dear friends, the 杏MAP导航 concluded, let us cultivate His expectation without being distracted by so many useless things 鈥渁nd without complaining all the time, but keeping our hearts alert, that is, eager for Him, awake and ready, impatient to meet Him鈥�.