Advent: A Reminder of How We Ought to Be

Joe Paprocki Advent

Advent wreath

Every season and feast of the liturgical calendar serves as a reminder of how we “ought to be” as followers of Jesus Christ. The season of Advent, which is now upon us, reminds us that we are to be a people of hope—not to be confused with wishful thinking. I “hope” I win the lottery some day, but I have no confidence that will ever happen. Our hope in Jesus Christ is a confident hope—an anticipation of that which we know is coming, because that’s what Jesus does: he always comes to us. He has in the past, he does in the present, and he will in the future!

During this Advent season, let us each recommit ourselves to avoiding cynicism, negativity, pessimism, and fatalism and, instead, embrace hope, which dispels the darkness of despair. I personally invite you to participate in an online Advent retreat led by Loyola Press’ very own Vinita Wright: “Small Simple Ways to Open Mind, Heart, and Spirit.” I can think of no one better to invite us to consider how we ought to be as followers of Jesus Christ than Vinita!

For a full round-up of Advent resources, visit my Advent page here.

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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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