Embracing the Spirit of Advent with the Poor

As we enter the first week of Advent, we find ourselves preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the most profound and transformative event in human history. In this season of preparation and anticipation, we are called not only to await the coming of Christ but also to reflect on how we, as Vincentians, can make room for Him in our hearts and in our world. In what way can we welcome Him in the poor and marginalized, and guide those with us in ministry to the poor to be agents of transformation and Justice.

The birth of Jesus in a humble manger reminds us that God chooses to enter the world through the poor and the vulnerable. “He had no place to lay His head” (Luke 9:58), and He calls us to see Him in the faces of the poor, the oppressed, and those who are often overlooked by society. How we can welcome Christ in the poor—not just those who lack material wealth, but also those who are poor in spirit, in hope, or in love. In the first weeks of Advent, we are reminded that the real “work of Advent” is not merely preparing our homes and classrooms for a festive season, but preparing our hearts to serve Christ in those who need us most.

This Advent, let us take time to reflect: How are we serving the poor in our parishes, at work and in our communities? How are we teaching our young people to recognize and respond to the needs of the marginalized? Let us be intentional in our service to those on the fringes, and help our students see that serving others is not an act of charity, but an encounter with Christ Himself.

Advent is a season of transformation. The coming of Christ is the ultimate act of divine intervention to heal, redeem, and transform the world. We share in this mission of transformation, not only by giving example to our family and friends, but by educating those we meet to be agents of change. Our young people are not just future leaders—they are young people who can begin making a difference today. Many take action in their schools with food drives for the needy. They can be catalysts for justice, love, and mercy right now. As we enter into advent, we are called to accompany them in their own journeys of transformation. Let us inspire them to see that their faith is not just something to be practiced in private, but a powerful force for good in the world.

We must ask ourselves: Are we creating spaces where our young people are empowered to take action? Are we teaching them the values of justice, dignity, and respect for all people, especially those who are poor and oppressed? Do they see this in us? Let’s encourage them to act with compassion and courage, to be voices for the voiceless, and to stand up for those who are marginalized.

Advent is also a time of social reflection. The arrival of the Messiah was a call to justice, to peace, and to the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. Jesus’ message was one of inclusion and justice—He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and embraced the outcast. As His disciples, we are called to do the same. As we accompany our community, let’s challenge them to live their faith as a call to justice. Let’s teach them that Advent is a season not only of waiting for Christ’s birth but also of preparing to work for His Kingdom. Justice is at the heart of the Gospel, and it is our responsibility to instill this in our students—to show them that to follow Christ means to work for a world where the poor are cared for, the oppressed are freed, and every person is treated.

As we approach Christmas, let us make this Advent a time of deep reflection to see how we can transform the world around us.. May we, like Mary and Joseph, make room in our hearts and our lives to welcome Christ in the humble places—especially in the poor and the marginalized. And may we inspire our others to be not just followers of Christ, but active agents of His love and justice in the world.

Deacon John Girolami
SSVP ONRC Spiritual Advisor