Pope says Advent is a time to listen to God

December 03, 2012 - Advent is a time to extend God’s “kingdom of love” and to reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world, Pope Benedict XVI said on Sunday. “Amid the turmoil of the world, or the deserts of indifference and materialism, Christians accept salvation from God and witness with a different way of life, like a city set on a hill,” the Pope told a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square before reciting the Sunday midday ‘Angelus’ prayer with them. Speaking from his studio window overlooking the square, he reflected on the Gospel reading of the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the start of a new liturgical year. This year, he said, is “further enriched” by the Year of Faith which marks the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. He noted that the community of believers is “a sign of the love of God, his justice that is present in the history which is not yet fully realized, and therefore we must be wait, seeking it with courage and patience.” The Pope explained that the word Advent that means coming” or “presence”, refers both to the first coming of Christ in the Incarnation, and to the second coming, when Jesus will return in glory. He said these two moments are “deeply touching” because Jesus’ death and resurrection has “already made the transformation of man and the cosmos, which is the end for which we were created.” Pope Benedict said the Virgin Mary perfectly embodies the spirit of Advent, which involves both listening to God and having deep desire to do his will in joyful service to others. He urged all to allow themselves be guided by her, because, he said, some are closed to or distracted from God. He wished that each one each of us be able to extend a little of God’s kingdom of love, justice and peace.