Episode 2798: Advent: The Call to Fidelity and Awakening

“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: The Call to Fidelity and Awakening
Welcome to tonight’s episode, where we journey through the wisdom of Advent and explore its call to deeper fidelity and awakening in Christ. This season is not merely a time of waiting but a period of profound transformation, where we are invited to reaffirm our faith in the midst of trials and to stand firm against the currents of compromise.
Today, we reflect on two powerful quotes:
St. Peter Canisius warns us:
"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church’s enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith."
And from Fr. Alfred Delp, written as he awaited execution by the Nazis:
"Advent is a time of being deeply shaken, so that man will wake up to himself."
Let us begin this reflection by considering what these words mean for us as Catholics today.
Segment 1: The Purity of Faith Over Popularity
St. Peter Canisius lived in a time of great upheaval during the Protestant Reformation. His words resonate with us today as we face challenges to our faith in a world that often opposes or distorts the truth of the Gospel.
The Church has always been called to stand apart from the world, not in isolation but in unwavering fidelity to Christ. As Catholics, we are not called to conform to the errors of our time or to seek approval from those who oppose the faith. Instead, we must remain steadfast, even if that means being few in number.
This is not a call to pride but to humility and courage. Being a staunch Catholic means embracing the fullness of the faith, including its demands for holiness, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the truth.
Ask yourself: are there areas in my life where I have compromised my faith for the sake of comfort, approval, or fear of rejection? This Advent, let us recommit to being sincere and uncompromising Catholics, even if the path is lonely.
Segment 2: Advent as a Time of Awakening
Fr. Alfred Delp’s reflection on Advent carries the weight of his imprisonment and impending martyrdom. He writes, "Advent is a time of being deeply shaken, so that man will wake up to himself."
Advent is not merely a season of joy and anticipation; it is a time for soul-searching and renewal. Just as John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord,” Advent calls us to awaken from spiritual complacency.
In today’s culture, it’s easy to become numb distracted by consumerism, overwhelmed by busyness, or lulled into complacency by the world’s comforts. But Advent shakes us, reminding us that the King is coming, and we must prepare our hearts.
Being shaken is not a punishment; it’s a grace. God uses trials, challenges, and even suffering to wake us up, to make us realize our dependence on Him, and to turn our gaze back to the eternal.
Segment 3: Living the Advent Call
So, how can we live out this Advent call to fidelity and awakening?
Examine Your Fidelity: Take time to assess your relationship with God. Are you faithful to the teachings of the Church, or have you allowed worldly influences to dilute your beliefs? Use this time to make a good confession and realign your life with Christ.
Embrace Silence and Prayer: Advent is a time for interior renewal. Create space for silence and prayer, away from the noise of the world. Listen for God’s voice and allow Him to guide you.
Be a Witness of Truth: In a world that often compromises truth, let your life be a testimony to the Gospel. Whether through acts of charity, standing up for what is right, or simply living authentically as a Catholic, let your faith shine as a light to others.
Accept Being Shaken: If you are facing trials or challenges, embrace them as opportunities for growth. Allow God to use these moments to awaken you to your true self and to deepen your reliance on Him.
Conclusion Prayer
Let us conclude with a prayer, asking for the grace to remain faithful and awakened this Advent season.
Heavenly Father,
In this holy season of Advent, You call us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Your Son. Shake us from our spiritual slumber and awaken us to Your presence. Grant us the courage to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the path is difficult and the world opposes us.

Lord Jesus, You came into the world to bring light to the darkness and truth to those who were lost. Help us to be sincere and uncompromising in our love for You and for the Church You established. May our lives reflect Your truth, Your love, and Your holiness.

Holy Spirit, guide us in this time of preparation. Remove the distractions that keep us from hearing Your voice and fill our hearts with the peace and joy that come from knowing You.

We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who prepared her heart so perfectly to receive You, and through the prayers of St. Peter Canisius and Fr. Alfred Delp.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining us today as we reflected on the profound call of Advent. May this season lead you closer to Christ and inspire you to live your faith boldly. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.