ST. DOMINIC'S PARISH HAS A NEW Email: StDominicsMI@archtoronto.org ( Please note the upper and lower case on the email.)/
Advent calls us as Christians to ponder again the mystery of our salva-tion, our hope that there is an answer to the riddle of earthy life with its passing joys, disappointments, sorrows, and frustrations, and its apparently dark end in the oblivion of death.

Does life go anywhere? Does it have any meaning? Advent calls every one of us to stop in the struggle of life and to look up, to recall the answer to the questions of life. We are on a journey to our Father's house. The door has been opened to us by the Son of God, and the way marked out. Advent invites us to look back over the long centuries, during which the human race struggled on in shadows. Of course, there was always some light. It began with the promise of a Redeemer who would crush the head of the destroying Serpent, the Son of a woman at bitter enmity with evil. The experience of human beings during those thousands of years of waiting is not so different from the lives of those around us who live without the consolation of faith and hope. They can accomplish much, but to what purpose? They can struggle to live as well and as long as possible, but then they will sorrow as those who have no hope.

The Christian should look at and listen to this darkness and confusion. Human existence for the believer is always an advent, a waiting, a journey toward a destination, toward the light. Begin Advent by recalling the long darkness endured by the human race. Many are still in it. As believers, we have the faith to know that God came to us through no merit of our own, and that He comes to us still by His grace. He calls to us by His birth, His life, His terrible death, and His glorious Resurrection. Advent reminds us that He will come again. So many mysteries, so many questions, and so many answers. For the one with faith, Advent should be a time of mystery, discovery, new insights, blessings, many graces and a deeper joy as we celebrate this great season.

Let us pray: O Lord, speak to my heart during this season of grace, as you spoke to your prophets and saints. Remind me again of the journey you call me to make and the work you would have me do. I am your servant, O Lord. Speak to me in this holy season and turn my eyes to watch for your coming.

O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful time in the church year.

Looking forward to the beginning of the Advent Season!

Fr. Phil