The meaning of Advent: interview for "Future" of Monsignor Guido Marini
What is the meaning of Advent? Advent is the waiting time. Of expectation that refers to a coming of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. The Christian people, in this particular season of the liturgical year, living their faith and renew the awareness of a triple joyous coming of the Lord that which also speak to the Fathers of the Church.
a first come, which do gratefully commemorate, is that of the Son of God in human history, at the time of the Incarnation. A second coming is that which takes place in present day life, and that is relentless. It takes shape in a variety of ways, starting from the Eucharist, the Real Presence of the Lord in the midst of his, to continue with the sacraments, the word of the Scriptures, the brothers, especially the small and needy. A third came, to wait in hope, is what will take place at the end of time, when the Lord returns in glory and everything will be summarized in him.
Thus, in the season of the Christian people are called to renew the awareness that his life is all contained in the mystery of Christ, the One who was, is and who is. Even so, Advent is a time markedly "Marian". The SS. Virgin is the one who in a unique and unrepeatable lived waiting for the Son of God, is she so unusual that it is all contained in the mystery of Christ.
How individual believers and Christian communities can live better to help this important moment of the liturgical season of the Church? entering this time with the inner attitude of those who are preparing to spend a period of conversion and renewal, a decision directing his life to the Lord Jesus
The Church, with the liturgical year, we periodically offer the grace to live spiritually strong moments, the perfect occasion to rediscover the momentum of the path to holiness. Advent is a momentum that has a unique tone, which is that of joy. The joy at the thought that the Lord has already shown his face in the merciful love of and unimaginable. The joy at the thought that the Lord is our contemporary and close today, in the present of our life in simple everyday of our days. The joy at the thought that the future is shrouded in darkness, but will shine with the light of heaven of God in Christ.
All this becomes even life experience under a journey of personal and communal conversion, made of a more intense and prolonged prayer, some form penance and detachment from the mentality of this century, a more generous and authentic Christian charity.
What are the characteristics of the celebrations at this time? The liturgy, through the rites and prayers, leading to the active participation of the mystery celebrated. Therefore, in celebration of the Advent, it must convey a sense of expectation typical of Advent. It must do so with his prayers, with his hand, with his silence, with its colors and its lights. In all this must be the mystery of the Lord is, he who is the Beginning and the End of the story, everything has become in some tangible way and the true joy of simple faith, everything must shine in their commitment to the change of heart and mind for more radical belonging to God
And what are the particularities of the pontifical liturgies? Even if in a specific context, such as that due to the presence of the Holy Father, the pontifical liturgies that can not be characteristic of this time of year. With a note in addition: that of the exemplary. Because it is never to forget that the celebrations presided over by the Pope are called to be a reference point for the whole Church. And 'His Holiness the Pope, the great liturgist in the Church, who, even through the celebration, has a genuine liturgical teaching to which all must turn.
This year in particular the liturgy of the first Vespers of Advent is inserted in a "vigil for the unborn life." What is the significance of this particular "combination"? It is a combination that is proving to be happy. The initiative for a "Vigil for the unborn life" promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Family, is thus to join in the celebration of the beginning of Advent, a time very suitable for addressing the issue of life. Advent is the time of Mary, who bore in her womb the Word of God made flesh. Advent is the expectation of real life, one that manifested itself in the Son of God made man, the fullness and fulfillment of God's plan for humanity. In the Life, which appeared in Bethlehem, has found new and definitive meaning to the dignity of every human life. So, really, pray for the unborn life in the context of the celebration of First Vespers for the beginning of the liturgical year, is significant and providential.
Gianni Cardinale