The new Liturgical Year begins with the First Sunday of Advent. This is a season full of hope, expectation, and preparation for the coming of Christ which brings hope to the world, assuring us that Christian life transcends this present life. He brings expectation to all Creation, enabling communion and unity with God and the shared joy of eternal happiness.
Hope is the spirit of Advent. However, living in a world troubled by war, ethnic conflict, refugee crises, and poverty, how do we convey this hope and how do we hold onto it in adversity? Pope Leo XIV, during the Angelus prayer on All Souls’ Day, said that as long as we trust in God, no one will be eternally lost and not a single hope will be lost.
The theme of the First Sunday of Advent is vigilance. We must be prepared at all times, constantly praying, and getting ready for the coming of Jesus. We need be more attentive to our brothers and sisters and to the happenings in society to avoid becoming indifferent people, who “turn their faces away” from those in need.
Russia’s war on Ukraine has lasted for more than three years and has caused immense suffering and loss of life, forcing people to leave their homes and become displaced. Several weeks ago, multiple incidents of religious persecution and violence occurred in Nigeria, Africa, resulting in many casualties. Armed militants even broke into a school run by a religious community to kidnap teachers and students. Pope Leo earlier called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and for dialogue, while also urging the Nigerian government and tribes to seek religious freedom and condemning the violence.
Advent is also a time for us to reflect on the past and present, plan for the future, and renew our life of faith. The Jubilee Year is coming to a close and the diocese will hold its opening celebration for its 80th anniversary on December 8. Leading up to this, a Jubilee Hymnal Exchange Concert will be held on the evening of December 6, where multiple overseas choirs have been invited to perform in Hong Kong. Through the universal language of song and music, they will ignite faith, hope, and charity, and at the same time, foster fraternity among brothers and sisters in the Lord.
The synodal Church is also being gradually implemented, emphasising synodality, discernment, and listening. This process fosters deeper cooperation and shared responsibility between laity and clergy, strengthening collaboration.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, laity, religious, and ordained ministers respect, listen to, and discern with one another. This collaborative model, rooted in the “People of God” framework from the Second Vatican Council, embodies mutual cooperation.
In his Advent Pastoral Letter, Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., stressed several key pastoral priorities: English and Mandarin ministry, empowering young people as partners, caring for the elderly, and walking with the poor, the voiceless, and Creation. All of this showcases a grand pastoral blueprint.
Let us embrace hope with love, transmit hope, and welcome the coming of the Messiah. SE
