Lord's Day Reflection: Advent is a time for praying for reconciliation and peace

Lord's Day Reflection: Advent is a Time for Praying for Reconciliation and Peace

By Father Luke Gregory, OFM

As the world enters the sacred season of Advent, many Christians embrace a time of preparation and reflection. Advent invites the faithful to pause and center themselves on the themes of hope, peace, and reconciliation.

Advent’s Spiritual Significance

The season of Advent calls believers to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ, not only at Christmas but also in the hope of His final coming. This period encourages prayerful reflection on personal and communal peace amid global conflicts and divisions.

Praying for Reconciliation

Father Luke Gregory highlights the importance of using Advent as a moment to seek reconciliation at all levels — within families, communities, and nations. He emphasizes that peace begins with individuals embracing forgiveness and compassion.

“Advent challenges us to open ourselves to the transforming power of reconciliation, allowing God’s peace to heal fractured relationships and fractured hearts.”

A Call to Peace

The message of Advent points toward Christ, who brings peace beyond understanding. It reminds believers to become instruments of peace, actively working toward justice and harmony in a fractured world.

This reflection underscores Advent as a vital spiritual moment that encourages prayer for inner and global peace through reconciliation and hope in Christ’s coming.

Vatican News — 2025-11-29