Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

The third Sunday of Advent introduces to us the sense of anticipation. We are half-way there. The kids start feeling the excitement. “Do you think Santa received my letter? Maybe there is still time to resend it special delivery!”

Of course, for the liturgical season, it’s the anticipation of the birth of Christ. New birth always brings with it immediate excitement. There is the announcement of the pregnancy but shortly thereafter there is a communication blackout. About 7 ½ to eight months into the pregnancy, family and friends elevate their expectations as a new member of the family will soon arrive. They begin to ask, “When’s the due date?” in anticipation of the birth.

We are anticipating the celebration of the birth of Jesus. If we haven’t yet entered the sense of the season, there’s still time. John the Baptist reminds us that we must make straight the way of the Lord. Perhaps there are some rough edges in our life that need a little attention. A friend or family member that we need to call, some slightly used clothing that could be shared with the poor, a soup kitchen or food pantry that would put to good use some groceries or other types of donations. It always feels good to reach out to others, especially during this time of year.

But, let me make a major push for the sacrament of reconciliation. There is no straighter path that we can establish than by clearing the way for the Lord in our soul. Confession challenges us to examine our lives and consider how we might better our relationship with God. I know of no better instrument than the sacrament of reconciliation to accomplish a deepening of our spiritual life.

Recently, a priest friend of mine, Father Ted Schmitt (he’s worth a Google), was found dead in his rectory, reportedly of natural causes. He was the much beloved pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Streamwood, Ill. Father Ted came late to the priesthood, entering the seminary at the age of 53. I had him as a student in the seminary and he became a good friend. He achieved a mark of success in Hollywood, being able to call many celebrities his friends. An avid sports enthusiast, he coached and acted as chaplain for a number of high school football teams. Not being able to ignore the call of Jesus, Father Ted abandoned a successful career to follow the Lord and become a fisher of men. He traded success, fame and power to become a servant of the Lord and His Church.

I was asked to preach the funeral homily. As I stepped onto the pulpit, I realized that it was here that Father Ted proclaimed the Gospel and preached to his congregation. Just two short weeks earlier, Father Ted read the Gospel of the first Sunday in Advent, “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33) I can tell you, Father Ted was ready. He prayed, went to confession and served his brothers and sisters. This is a great formula for being ready when the Master returns.

We anticipate the Lord’s coming at Christmas. We also anticipate His return in glory at His second coming, for He will come again. We prepare our personal lives, ready always to meet Him and obedient to His command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

This photo of Father Ted and me is from a taping of my “Living Our Faith” radio show, in January 2013. You can listen to the full show on our online archive.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the December 16, 2014 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.