Advent: The Lord invites us to ‘stay awake’ in a spirit of preparation, expectation and waiting. The word “advent,” from the Latin adventus, means the “coming” or “arrival.” The Advent Season of four weeks is focused on the “coming” of Jesus as Messiah, the Christ. Our Liturgy and prayer not only prepare us spiritually for Christmas, his first coming, but also for his eventual second coming. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Advent this way: When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom (ie John the Baptist), the Church unites herself to his desire: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (CCC, 524). The spirit of Advent is one of preparation, expectation and waiting. The Gospel today concerns The Lord’s coming at the end of time. Jesus says: “The Son of Man will come with power and great glory… Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.” The Lord says to each of us: “Do not let your heart grow drowsy!” How shall I stay awake and prepare for the Lord this Advent?