Cardinal Quevedo Message of Advent 2018
MESSAGE FOR
ADVENT 2018
Beloved People of Godand
Come, Lord Jesus, come. This is the refrain of the
Season of Advent, the first season in the liturgical year of the Catholic
Church. We long and pray for the coming
of Jesus on Christmas. Jesus was born some two thousand years ago. If Jesus had
not died at the age of 33, he would be more than two thousand years old today.
The season of Advent is a time
of expectant but joyful waiting for the arrival of the Lord. It is a time of
preparation. We prepare our homes with multi-colored parol (Christmas lanterns), Christmas buntings, images of Santa
Claus, perhaps a Christmas tree, and a Christmas belen . It is our usual way of preparing for and welcoming the Baby
Jesus.
But the most important preparation is the preparation of
our hearts. Are our hearts pure? Are our hearts contrite and cleansed of sin? Are
our hearts in love with God? Are our hearts open to loving our neighbor of
whatever religion or tribe? Is our love of God and neighbor shown in action for
justice, with special love and concern for the poor?
My dear People, may
we all prepare ourselves and our homes to welcome the Lord. May our hearts be
worthy to be a home for the Infant Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
+Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I.
Apostolic Administrator Sede Vacante
Archdiocese of Cotabato