Advent 2025: Second Sunday of Advent Reflection
In this week’s meditation, Fr. Alfredo speaks about the fire of the Holy Spirit. He tells a story of his visit to a glass blower’s shop, where he sees firsthand how the intense heat of fire can be used to purify and to allow the silica to be shaped into the vessel that the maker has designed it to be. It is not difficult to imagine how this applies to our own lives! Fire is a common image in Scripture. There is a dark side to fire: the destruction that can be wrought through its power and quick spreading. There is also a beauty to fire: it warms us, brings us cheer, cooks our food, and, as in Fr. Alfredo’s example, allows simple sand to be made into something deeply beautiful.
One type of fire that forms us, for better or for worse, is our suffering. As adult children of divorce or separation, we have lost our parents’ love together. The suffering that follows in the wake of a divorce can be immense. We struggle to understand who we are, where we belong, how we should love, how to be parents, and so many other things. Sometimes the heat of the pain is intense, and we can feel like it is destroying us.
But, the Lord understands fire! God himself came to us in the form of fire when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles at Pentecost. He appeared as a burning bush when he showed himself to Moses. In this Sunday’s gospel, John the Baptist says, “[T]he one coming after me . . . will baptize you with fire and the Holy Spirit.” (Mathew 3:11) Fire, then, can also be the source of our salvation! The fire of the Holy Spirit, given to us in Baptism and Confirmation, is God’s presence dwelling in us. This fire is a creative fire, gradually forming us into the image of our Creator, bringing impurities to the surface so they can be removed, and giving us the power to love as God loves—after all, it is the nature of fire to spread. By surrendering to God in faith, surrendering our sins and our challenges, God can even make the fire of suffering part of his creative and life-giving fire. This Advent, as difficulties arise in our families and relationships and in our own hearts, when the fire of suffering threatens to burn us, take a moment to call upon the Holy Spirit, dwelling inside of you at this very moment, to quench these painful fires and turn them into a healing flame.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit! During this Advent season, set my heart on fire with love for Jesus. May the fire of the Holy Spirit burn brightly within me and spread to all those I meet. May Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception pray for me today and every day that I will love God with all my heart and allow his healing fire to make my heart like Jesus’ heart. Amen.
About Fr. Alfredo:
Fr. Alfredo was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ in June of this year for the Diocese of Arlington in Virginia. Although he was trained as a mechanical engineer, he decided to quit his job in research with the Navy to enter the seminary and give his life to God and His Church. Today, he serves at St. William of York in Stafford and loves every day of his priesthood. Each day is new and there is always so much more to learn.
About the author:
Lacy is married to Tony, and they have four kiddos. She works for Life-Giving Wounds part time and also homeschools her kids and helps her husband run their brewery and coffee shop. She loves Jesus, great books, coffee, and naps. Advent is her favorite time of year!
Reflection Questions for Small Groups or Individuals:
What tempts me to lose hope in God? What challenges do I struggle to surrender to God?
What sufferings are on my heart this Advent season? Knowing that Jesus wants to accompany me in my struggles, how can I invite him in?
In what ways does God want to reignite the fire of my faith this Advent? What are some practical ways I can be more open to God’s presence as I prepare for Christmas?
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