"Sanctity is made up of heroic acts. Therefore, in our work we are asked for the heroism of finishing properly the tasks committed to us, day after day, even though they are the same tasks.”
(Saint Josemaría)
This Sunday is the beginning of Advent, a time to prepare for our Lord's arrival on Christmas. Some resources for drawing as much fruit as possible from this liturgical time.
Advent is here. What a marvelous time in which to renew your desire, your nostalgia, your real longing for Christ to come -- for him to come every day to your soul in the Eucharist. The Church encourages us: Ecce veniet! -- He is about to arrive! (The Forge, 548)
The free eBook “The Time of God’s Presence” can help us make good use of the riches of the liturgy throughout the upcoming year that starts on the first Sunday of Advent.
A homily by Saint Josemaria published in "Christ is Passing By," given on 2 December 1961, first Sunday in Advent. Text and audio recording in English.
Marvel at God's magnanimity: he has become Man to redeem us, so that you and I - who are absolutely worthless, admit it! - may come to know him and trust him. (The Forge, 30)
Make your way to Bethlehem, go up to the Child, rock him in your arms, say warm and tender things to him, press him close to your heart... I am not talking childish nonsense, I am speaking of love! And love is shown with deeds. In the intimacy of your soul, you can indeed hug him tight. (The Forge, 345)
When you feel sometimes - perhaps without reason - that you have been humiliated; when you think your opinion should prevail; when you notice that at every moment your "self'' keeps cropping up: your this, your that, your something else... convince yourself that you are wasting, killing time, and that what you should be doing is killing your selfishness. (The Forge, 1050)
Don't keep on talking about your health, your family name, your career, your work, or your next step... How annoying this can be! It would seem you have forgotten that you don't have anything, that everything is His. (The Forge, 1050)
When you feel self love - pride! - stirring within you, making you out to be a superman, it is time to cry out: No! In this way you will savour the joy of the good son of God who goes through life with not a few faults, but doing good. (The Forge, 1054)
