Cathedral hosts Advent reflection for young adults

Intermountain Catholic

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SALT LAKE CITY — College students preparing for final exams and other young adults in the Diocese of Salt Lake City took time from their busy schedules for an hour of quiet time with the Lord on Dec. 5 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

The evening was the final event of the year for the regular Christ in the City, which is a monthly gathering for young adults that offers Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

For the Dec. 5 gathering, the Eucharistic adoration was preceded by a social hour in the cathedral rectory, and Father Joseph Delka, parochial vicar of the cathedral, gave a reflection.

“The social was an opportunity for us to meet each other outside of Adoration, and the reflection was to continue our preparation for Advent,” said Junuee Castro, director of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

At least three people new to the program attended the Dec. 5 social, she said.

In his reflection, Fr. Delka began by quoting Luke 3:1-6, which speaks of John the Baptist calling for repentance of sins and preparing the way of the Lord. He urged those present to take the advice of St. Anselm, who said, “Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.”

However, “pausing and stopping probably isn’t on the top of the list for most people right now,” Fr. Delka said. “We have to get ready for Christmas!”

Preparing for Christmas is important, he said, “but if we are not careful with our ‘preparations for Christmas’ we will miss Advent. And if we miss Advent we will, in fact, miss Christmas completely.”

The season of Advent has a penitential character, which helps us understand the importance of Christmas: that Jesus Christ comes to reconcile humankind to God, he said.

“But for that to happen, our hearts and minds need to be purified of all that is not of God. That requires repentance – metanoia – a complete turning around. Advent is an opportunity to ‘make a little time for God and rest a while in him,’” he said.

Fr. Delka suggested that those present pray, fast and give alms during Advent just as they do during Lent to give Christ the chance to purify their hearts and minds and make them ready to receive Him.

After the reflection, those present had the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The next Christ in the City event is Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. All young adults in the diocese are invited. For information, contact Junuee Castro, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry or visit on Facebook, Christ in the City SLC.