When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do[1]. Advent, until the very end, is a summons to wakefulness. The coming of the Lord demands our attention.
John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing [1]. The advent of the Lord makes itself known in the deepest dungeon. That the saviour is so near delights all who have been hoping for him including those who are suffering.
Into the viper’s lair the young child puts his hand [1]. The prophet Isaiah pictures a friendly child, not appreciating the danger, rummaging in the nest of a deadly snake.
Remember me when you come into your kingdom[1]. In response to this request, Jesus promises a place in his kingdom. This day you will be with me in paradise[2].
The feast day of St Stanislaus Kostka SJ, patron saint of Jesuit novices, is 13 November. St Stanislaus was born in 1550, and faced great opposition from his family to his wish to become a Jesuit novice. He ran away from the family home in Vienna and walked to Rome, via Dilingen in Ge
