by Hilary Leonard SALT LAKE CITY — Timothy Johnston, Diocesan Liturgical director shared a deeper meaning of Advent at Saint Ann Parish Dec. 4, focusing on spiritual imperatives in a season bombarded with secular messages. The talk, "Advent: A Season of Expectation," was the first of a three part series on the meaning of Advent hosted by the Diocese this year. The specific place and purpose of Advent in the liturgical calendar, Johnston said, is overshadowed by our culture’s rush into the commercial celebration of Christmas, which often begins the day after Halloween. When we question the early celebration of Christmas, Johnston said, we find that it points to a desire for instant gratification and the need to feel good. Instead, Johnston encouraged a counter-cultural perspective on "the season of expectation" that turns attention to preparedness for Christ, even while being overwhelmed by stress and inundated with secular messages. "This is four weeks to slow down and reflect: ‘What is my life about?’ and ‘What is my baptism calling me to do?’" The reflection that Advent calls Catholics to puts its focus on the often uncomfortable issues of death and judgement, provides a stark contrast to Christmas messages of indulgence and pleasure. Yet, by reflecting on "the last things" at this time, he continued, we look to the time when the world will be made whole again. We can view even our own death as preparation for the coming of Christ. The call to be "Awake. Alert. Vigilant." During Advent also directs Catholics to their relationships and their participation in the faith community. The sacred liturgy, Johnston said, serves as primary public experience of the Church for Catholics and therefore a powerful opportunity to grow in faith. "Through the liturgy we understand what the Church is trying to teach us about Christ," Johnston said. To fully receive this knowledge, however, we must cultivate an attentiveness to the details of the liturgy that many overlook. Using the example of the opening prayer of the Mass, Johnston demonstrated the beauty and rich imagery of a moment that is easy to miss if we are distracted. As the story of Christ unfolds in every part of the liturgy, he said, our sacramental imagination is inspired by its words and images. The imperative to be physically and mentally ready is also demonstrated in our desire to actively do ministry in the present moment. Incorporating the corporal and spiritual works of mercy into our daily lives is a necessary expression of preparedness. Finally, Johnston concluded with a simple but challenging question for Catholics: "How can I prepare?" He offers three practices for those hoping to answer this question this Advent season: "Listening, silence, and prayer." The event attracted dozens of Catholics seeking a fuller understanding of the Church’s teachings on the season, and others who were initially curious. "I come from a tradition that does not celebrate Advent, so I came to learn more about it," said one man who heard about the event from an advertisement in the Deseret News. The St Ann RCIA class also attended as part of their weekly meeting, gaining a rich foundation of knowledge on Advent season for those preparing to enter the Church this year. After the talk, members of the audience asked clarifying questions about various Advent practices, such as the colors of candles and vestments and the origins of the Advent of wreath. Johnston left the audience with the challenge " to celebrate Advent instead of Christmas" and in doing so nurture and develop a spiritual life that is rooted in Christ.
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