The more we prepare for an event, the more value and impact it can have in our life. Too often we don’t give sufficient preparation to spiritual matters. Advent in particular is a season which can easily pass us by.
Even worse, the secular world has co-opted this time of penance which is meant to prepare our souls for the Coming of Christ. Instead, we are overwhelmed with parties, games, gluttony, and materialism. Come December 26th, the world forgets about Christmas and moves on to celebrating the New Year. It’s all inverted, which should not surprise us as Christ, “the true light, which enlighteneth every man” came into this world which was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. (Cf. Jn 1:9-10)
He who wishes to receive much grace during the Christmas season, a privileged time indeed for grace, must spiritually prepare himself during Advent. There is no better interior preparation than daily meditation on God.
St. Alphonsus Liguori tells us:
“It is true that at all times the Lord is ready to hear us; but at the time of Meditation, when we are most truly in converse with God, He is most bountiful in giving us His aid.”
Furthermore, prayer is an indispensable duty of the Christian and is necessary for salvation. Saint Alphonsus assures us that it is morally certain that one who perseveres in meditation will not only be saved but steadily advance in sanctity. Thus, everyone should practice meditation! It is also a part of the Message of Fatima, being an essential part of both the Holy Rosary and the First Saturday devotion. Nevertheless, most Catholics rarely practice meditation; for many, they simply do not know how.
To help you practice meditation this Advent, The Fatima Center provides St. Alphonsus’ books:
Meditations for Every Day of Advent
Meditations for the Sundays of Advent
Both provide a simple means to practice meditation, which will help you develop it as a daily habit. Make the resolution this Advent to meditate for just 15 minutes a day under the guidance of St. Alphonsus. Offer this effort of prayer and penance – of love – to God, and you will grow in virtue, advance the fulfillment of Fatima, and greatly please Our Lord and Our Lady.
In the preface of this book, Fr. Michael Rodríguez assures us that if we accompany St. Alphonsus, Moral Doctor of the Church, on his daily meditations throughout the season of Advent, then we will have the best Advent and Christmas of our lives.
Order your book now to make sure you receive it before November 27th (Feast of the Miraculous Medal and First Sunday of Advent).
And order extra copies to give as Thanksgiving gifts to your family, friends, and parish priest!