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By Francesca Merlo

In his catechesis for the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis focused on the theme of vigilance.

He was referring to this Sunday's Gospel passage, in which Jesus issued a simple exhortation three times: 'Keep watch'.

The Holy Father noted that we sometimes think of this virtue as an attitude motivated by the fear of imminent punishment, but quickly assured the faithful that “this is certainly not the meaning of a Christian vigilance”.

As he is currently recovering from an inflammation of the lungs, the Pope's catechesis was streamed live from the Chapel at Casa Santa Marta where he resides, and was read by Bishop Paolo Braida, an official at the Vatican's Secretariat of State

Pope Francis and Bishop Paolo Braida during the Angelus at Casa Santa Marta

Vigilance means keeping the heart ready

Jesus illustrates this with a parable, in which servants eagerly wait for their master's return. These servants have a close, affectionate relationship with the master and are not fearful, but eagerly anticipate his return out of love. They prepare diligently, wanting to welcome him warmly and joyfully when he comes back, like a happy family awaiting a special reunion.

Reflecting on this parable, Pope Francis noted that “it is with this affection-filled expectation that we also want to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus at Christmas”.

So, Pope Francis continued, in the weeks leading up to the special day, “Let us carefully prepare the house of the heart, so that it may be orderly and hospitable”.  Vigilance, he explained, means keeping the heart ready.

Share what you can

The Holy Father then invited the faithful to plan to use Advent to share with their brothers and sisters in need, giving listening, time, concrete help.

Dear friends, the Pope concluded, let us cultivate His expectation without being distracted by so many useless things “and without complaining all the time, but keeping our hearts alert, that is, eager for Him, awake and ready, impatient to meet Him”.