WYD and Advent.- any similarities?

WORD YOUTH DAY SERIES

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS AND ICON.

WYD and Advent. - any similarities?

World Youth Day and the season of Advent have a number of common and important themes. These include:

1.            WYD and Advent brings forth hope- hope because Christ is the focus. Our attention is drawn to opening our hearts to the voice of Christ, and obeying His commands as they are revealed in the Church. 

2.            WYD and Advent provide an opportunity to develop a spiritual plan of commitment in preparation for them. This then encourages us to live more fruitful lives which are in tune with Gospel values.

3.            WYD and Advent provide us with the opportunity to rely on the providence of God, rather than our own strength and to rely on the power and mercy of God. 
At WYD, the power and mercy of God is powerful when pilgrims from all nations receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. How can any pilgrim ever forget the sight of so many priests available 'hearing confessions' in Hyde Park in Sydney throughout the day for the whole week and at the Catechises each morning without the sacrament being compromised in any way? Amazing.!!!!

4.            WYD and Advent is an experience or time when many experience the closeness of God in their faith journey. It is an opportunity to re-evaluate it and in the words of the prophet Isaiah
' The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light'.  Many pilgrims see the light at WYD and like the wise men return by a different route with peace, hope and enthusiasm. 

By now, you may be closer to deciding to go to Madrid for WYD.  I hope that your preparations at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels are taking place.  If you started earlier in the year and waned, or perhaps you did not yet got started, Advent provides you with a wonderful opportunity to get ready.  Suggestions on how to prepare may be found in my previous posts in this series.  Why not take a look.

Remember Advent is the first of the seasons of the new liturgical year. It is a short season and it can be over in a blink of an eye if you allow it.  The week of WYD goes very quickly too. In both WYD and Advent, pilgrims need to get ready and advent is the perfect starting point for a wonderful faith filled adventure with God.

May this Advent be blessed and incredibly special for all potential pilgrims to WYD Madrid.