A few mornings ago, I was running along the trail at the base of East Rock with one of our students who was telling me about their experience teaching in The Atrium of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a faith formation program for the youngest members of the STM and wider New Haven Catholic community.

Each class begins with an opening prayer, placing the gathering in context, in terms of the work that the children will engage during the session—the upcoming Church feasts; saint days and solemnities; or the time in the liturgical year. In their most recent session, the children were asked, “Does anyone know what season begins on Sunday?” When they heard that Advent was starting in just a few days, one of the eight year old students lit up. With eyes widening with sudden revelation, they exclaimed, “We’ve got a LOT of preparing to do!”

Amen!

In the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, Jesus urges us to “Be watchful! Be alert!” By next Sunday, when have already reached the midpoint of Advent, we’ll hear “the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” according to Mark. The words of the Prophet Isaiah introduce John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way for Christ, “a voice crying out in the desert,” saying: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

The Advent message on the banners that hang on Park Street at the entrance to the Golden Center ask, “How will your heart be open to Christ the Prince of Peace?” If we look into our hearts and  we’re being honest, we realize that “we’ve got a LOT of preparing to do!”

Even with all that we have on our minds during one of the busiest times of the year, may our days be oriented towards the unfolding mystery of Christ to be born anew into our world. May our hearts be filled with childlike wonder." When it’s easy to lose focus on the most important things—like Christ drawing nearer and nearer—and when we’re running on fumes, let’s make sure that we’re running on faith.

By dedicating even a small portion of our time to quiet prayer, fully engaging in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, practicing acts of repentance, charity, and works of mercy, may we respond to the call of the Prophet, the Baptist, and the youngest members of our city-wide Catholic community to "prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths!"