Episode 2761: Advent: A Season of Hope and Penitence - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
Advent: A Season of Hope and Penitence
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll reflect on Advent as a penitential season, often referred to as a "Little Lent." We’ll explore its rich traditions, its call to repentance, and the anticipation of Christ’s birth, all while drawing inspiration from St. Ephrem and liturgical teachings.
Segment 1: The Purity of Christ and His Mother
St. Ephrem writes:
"Thou alone and Thy Mother are in all things fair; there is no flaw in Thee and no stain in Thy Mother."
Reflection on Purity and Advent
This quote beautifully encapsulates the unique purity of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Christ, as the spotless Lamb of God, and Mary, conceived without sin, show us the perfection of God’s plan for humanity.
During Advent, we are invited to reflect on this purity and prepare our souls to welcome Christ as Mary did, through repentance and a turning away from sin.
Scriptural Connection
In Revelation 12:1, Mary is described as “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” This image calls us to see her as the perfect vessel for the Incarnation, inspiring us to strive for holiness in our own lives.
Segment 2: Advent as a Penitential Season
Advent’s penitential nature is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. However, its roots as a “Little Lent” remind us that this season is one of spiritual preparation, not just external festivities.

Liturgical Practices
The violet vestments of the priests signify repentance and sorrow for sin, reminding us of our need to turn back to God.
The Gloria is omitted during Mass as a way to deepen the somber tone of the season. As Reverend Dom Guéranger explains, this omission reflects the waiting of the angels:
“This glorious song was sung at Bethlehem over the crib of the divine Babe, but during Advent…the tongues of the angels are not loosened yet.”
These liturgical practices emphasize the waiting, the longing, and the preparation for the great joy of Christmas.
Segment 3: Living Advent as a 'Little Lent'
Advent is a time to pause and examine our lives. Just as we prepare our homes for Christmas, we are called to prepare our souls for the coming of Christ.
Practical Ways to Embrace Advent's Penitential Spirit
Confession: Just as Lent calls us to the sacrament of reconciliation, Advent is an ideal time to cleanse our hearts and souls.
Fasting: Consider small sacrifices during Advent, like giving up a favorite treat or reducing time spent on entertainment, to focus more on prayer and spiritual reflection.
Acts of Charity: Extend the love of Christ to others through acts of kindness and generosity, especially to those in need.
Staying Focused Amidst the Chaos
Advent often gets overshadowed by the secular rush to Christmas. However, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and the true meaning of the season can transform these weeks into a time of grace.
Conclusion: The Joy That Awaits
While Advent is a time of penitence, it is also filled with hope. The somberness of this “Little Lent” points to the incredible joy of Christmasth e moment when the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. By embracing the season’s call to repentance, we open our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer
O Holy Mother of God,
During this Advent season, teach us to prepare our hearts as you prepared yours. Help us to reflect on your spotless purity and strive to live lives free from sin. May we embrace the penitential spirit of this season, turning back to your Son with contrite hearts.
Lord Jesus, as we await Your coming, fill us with hope and anticipation. May our repentance bear fruit in our lives, and may we experience the joy of Your Nativity with hearts renewed by grace. We ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. As you journey through Advent, may you find time for silence, prayer, and preparation, so that your heart will be ready to welcome the Christ Child this Christmas. God bless you!