“We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty.” (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)
Often times we’re too “busy” for spiritual matters, especially during the Christmas season. We’ve got presents to buy, parties to attend, greeting cards to mail and lots of things to do before Christmas. Although the Church tells us that Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation, we tell ourselves that it’s really a figurative preparation. After all, Jesus was already born two thousand years ago. And while we acknowledge that He will come again in glory at the end of the world, we generally assume that it won’t be for a while.
In the above excerpt from one of his sermons, St. Bernard of Clairvaux reminds us of another coming of Christ. It is one that lies between the other two and it’s every bit as real. Unlike the other two comings, however, it is one that we can reject. It is the coming of Christ into our hearts. Are you prepared to welcome him into your heart? That’s what Advent is all about!
Back by popular demand, the annual Following The Truth Advent Radio Retreat will begin on Monday, December 2nd! As in years past, we’ll journey together as we prepare to welcome Christ into our hearts. Each night on my BlogTalkRadio program, I’ll offer meditations designed to help you grow closer to the Lord. In addition, I’ll read and discuss the daily Mass Readings. If you would like to participate in the retreat and receive the weekly email summaries, enter your email address in the following form. Once you register, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your registration. Do not skip this step, as it’s necessary if you wish to receive the email updates.
This year, we’ll be using the popular book by Fr. Michael Gaitley, Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat- Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
. You can order the book by going to the following link:
Advent is almost upon us. It is a time of preparing to welcome Jesus more deeply into our lives. He is knocking on the door of your heart. Will you answer?
?Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.? (Luke 21:34-36)
(You can listen to the 2013 Following The Truth Advent Radio Retreat HERE.)
I am so grateful that I heard enough about this retreat while listening to the Sunrise Morning Show on the way to work. I just registered for the Advent retreat, read that we?ll be using ?Consoling the Heart of Jesus?. I already have the book and have been wanting to do this retreat for years, but felt it would be more powerful if done with someone else. What a gift this is. Praise God!
I’m glad you heard about it too, Iona. Lots of graces will be headed our way!
God Bless,
Gary
Good afternoon. Is the book absolutely necessary to complete the retreat? The spirit is willing, but funds are very tight. Thank you for your attention in this. God bless.
Pax,
M.
Great question! The book is not necessary, as I’ll be reading from it on the radio show. While it would be helpful to have the book, it is in no way mandatory. I’m glad you’ll be able to join us!
God Bless,
Gary
Thank you for this quick reply. God bless!
Do we really have to pray the St. Andrew’s novena 15 times a day? Anne
Hi Anne – Great question. While I wouldn’t get superstitious about it, I would try to pray it 15 times each day. The words of the prayer are beautiful and, if we truly think about them, they will help us to appreciate God’s gift of a savior and Mary and Joseph’s willingness to go along with the plan.
I’ll also address it more on Monday’s broadcast.
God Bless,
Gary
After having done the 33 Days Consecration retreat back in October, I can’t wait for this Advent retreat. I learned about you through Spirit Daily and am glad I did. I like your style very much, simple, funny, straightforward and so honest. Also the themes are so applicable to our daily lives. Thank you Gary for doing God’s will in your life; many souls will be thanking you not only now but for Eternity, for helping them get closer to the Lord or even comeback to Him!
May God bless you abundantly and Our Lady always protect you and guide you!
Thank you for the kind words, OlgaLu. I can’t wait to get started with the Advent retreat!
God Bless,
Gary