First Sunday of Advent

Advent is such a joyful season. We begin it by reflecting on what Jesus might want from us as we prepare for His coming into our hearts. Usually, we all find a need to clear out, unclutter our hearts to make a cozy dwelling for the Lord Jesus. It is a season that calls for more prayer and reflection but always with joy. We have the Pope's Apostolic Exhortation to begin pondering. Here is an excerpt:

1.
The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.

As we begin this season full of desire for Jesus, let us reflect on how the joy of the gospel is filling out hearts and how we are spreading this joy?
I am going to an Advent retreat for the Religious of the Archdiocese this afternoon. There is Mass at 3:00 and then a talk by a Jesuit and refreshments. I could not get anyone in my community interested so may need to leave as soon as the talk is over. It is dark by six now and I want to be home for the community prayer at six. Still, it is a good way to begin Advent.