Lord's Day Reflection: Advent is a time for praying for reconciliation and peace – Vatican News

By  Father Luke Gregory, OFM
As the world enters the sacred season of Advent, a period of preparation and reflection for many Christians, we find ourselves standing at the intersection of hope and longing. This time invites us to consider not just the anticipation of Christ’s coming but also the deep desire for reconciliation and peace within our fractured world.
Today’s Gospel, profoundly articulating the themes of readiness and awareness in the face of the coming of the Son of Man, gives us a framework to explore these vital concepts.
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and spans four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time characterised by preparation, not just for the joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth, but for the transformation of our hearts and the world around us. Within its solemnity lies an inherent urgency—much like the warnings of Christ in the Gospel, where we are reminded to be vigilant and to seek the signs of His coming. In these verses, Jesus compares the characteristics of society before the flood, where daily life continued without heed to the impending judgment, to our own time. This parallel serves as a stark reminder of the tendency to become complacent, to grow comfortable with the status quo, whilst ignoring the call for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
As we reflect on this, the question emerges: are we, as a global society, too immersed in our daily routines to recognise the urgency of the times?
 The theme of reconciliation is intricately woven into the fabric of Advent. At its core, reconciliation is about restoring broken relationships—between humanity and divinity, among individuals, and within communities. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a time when swords will be turned to ploughshares, emphasising a vision from Isiah for a peaceful world. This beautiful imagery inspires us to strive for harmony and understanding in a world often marked by division and strife. The longing for reconciliation is not merely a personal journey but a collective responsibility. We must seek to mend the rifts that divide our communities and nations. It calls us to confront injustices with courage and compassion, echoing the teachings of Christ, who came to reconcile us to God and each other.
In practical terms, this means actively reaching out to facilitate dialogue and understanding among differing perspectives. It is choosing empathy over apathy, and forgiveness over bitterness. Within this journey of reconciliation, Advent invites us to engage in acts of kindness and outreach, embodying the love and grace we receive through Christ. World peace is a reflection of Divine Hope. Peace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture; it is both a promise and a calling. The historical context of Christ’s arrival—a time fraught with political turmoil and oppression—parallels our modern struggles for peace in a world plagued by violence and discord. Advent becomes a time to pray for peace, to advocate for justice, and to work toward a society where the values of love and charity prevail.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaimed, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” This statement not only encourages a pursuit of external peace but also invites a deeper internal serenity that reflects our relationship with God. As we watch and prepare during Advent, we must consider how we can contribute to the peace of Christ in our own lives. This could take the form of community service, involvement in peace-building initiatives, or simple acts that promote kindness in our everyday interactions. As we reflect on the coming of the Son of Man, we are called to remember that Christ embodies peace and reconciliation. Each gesture of peace we make mirrors His divine nature and helps to further His mission on earth.
 Advent gives us a sense of urgency and readiness. The verses in Matthew conclude with an admonition to be ready, “for we do not know the hour when the Lord will come”. This readiness transcends mere vigilance; it encompasses a life lived in active anticipation of God’s will and kingdom established on earth. Indeed, we are invited to cultivate hearts that seek righteousness, understanding, and unity amongst all people. In preparing our hearts, we must confront our own divisions and biases.
The call to reconciliation and peace challenges us to examine how we contribute to the systems of inequality and injustice in our world. By fostering a spirit of openness and grace, we can help create a culture of peace that aligns with the ethos of Advent. We are invited to live as harbingers of hope. As we journey through this season, let us embrace our role as ambassadors of hope and reconciliation in a world yearning for peace.
The readings of this contemplative season remind us that hope is not an abstract concept, but a tangible practice rooted in action and intention. In every prayer we offer, every hand we extend in friendship, and every act of mercy, we are ushering in the reign of “God amongst us”.
As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of Advent—the urgent longing for Christ’s presence, the deep desire for reconciliation, and the committed search for peace. The coming of the Son of Man is not solely an event to await; it is a transformative journey that we actively participate in each day, as we work toward a world that mirrors the love and grace of Christ.
 So, setting aside each day some quiet moment, amidst the anticipation of a beloved season, let us remember the messages of John the Baptist—prepare the way for the Lord and make His paths straight. Our longing for reconciliation and world peace must compel us into action, propelling us to be vessels of change in our communities and throughout the world. As we observe Advent, may we not only prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ but also embody His spirit of reconciliation and peace. Through our actions and empathy, let us strive for a world where all can coexist as brothers and sisters, reflecting the hope and love that the season brings. In doing so, we honour the true meaning of Christ’s birth and His continued presence amongst us.
* Fr. Luke Gregory ofm, Custody of the Holy Land
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