PASTORAL LETTER FOR ADVENT 2023
Beloved Eminences, Rt. Rev. Graces, Rev. Fathers, Fr. Deacons, Beloved Subdeacons, Minor Clergy, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace be with you as we enter into the sacred Season of Advent, the Nativity Fast, a time of anticipation and preparation for the great feast of Christmas. Today, as we gather in the warmth of our parishes, I am filled with gratitude and joy, for it is not only the season of winter that surrounds us but the season of divine mystery and new birth.
As the world outside grows colder, let us reflect on the warmth of God's love that envelops us. The Church Fathers, those wise and holy guides of our faith, remind us that even in the darkest of winters, the light of Christ shines brightly. St. Gregory of Nyssa teaches us, "Winter gives way to the blossoms of spring, and in the same way, our souls are renewed through the mystery of the Incarnation."
The mystery of the Incarnation is at the heart of this season. As we await the celebration of the Word made flesh, let us ponder the profound words of St. Athanasius: "He became what we are that He might make us what He is." In Christ's humble birth, we find the source of our joy and the promise of new life.
Advent is a time of spiritual pregnancy, a period of waiting and expectation akin to the anticipation of a mother awaiting the birth of her child. In this season of hope, let us echo the words of St. Augustine, who proclaimed, "Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are and courage to see that they do not remain as they are." As we prepare for the birth of Christ, let our hearts be filled with righteous anger at the brokenness of the world and the courage to be agents of change through the love of Christ.
Our Western Rite liturgy echoes the ancient cries of the Church, calling us to rejoice in the coming of our Savior. The Advent liturgy, with its poignant hymns and scriptures, invites us to participate in the timeless drama of salvation. Let us heed the words of the Prophet Isaiah, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths," as we open our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace. Advent makes us all like St. John the Baptist, echoing Isaiah’s cry to the world.
As we journey through these sacred weeks, may the spirit of Advent permeate our lives. Let us embrace the joy of new birth, the hope that Christ brings, and the anticipation of the Feast of Christmas. In the words of St. Leo the Great, "Christian, remember your dignity, and now that you share in God's own nature, do not return by sin to your former base condition."
May this season be a time of spiritual renewal and transformation for each one of us. As we eagerly await the celebration of the Nativity, let us draw closer to the manger with hearts full of gratitude and love. May the blessing of the Christ Child be with you and your families during this Advent season.
In Christ's love and anticipation,
Bishop Joseph
Ordinary of the Missionary Diocese of East and Southeast Asia
敬爱的都主教们、尊敬的主教们、神父们、执事们、副执事们和兄弟姐妹们:
当我们进入神圣的降临节、耶稣诞生斋戒时，恩典与平安与你们同在，这是一个期待和准备圣诞节盛宴的时刻。 今天，当我们聚集在温暖的教区时，我充满了感激和喜悦，因为这不仅是围绕着我们的冬季，也是神圣、神秘和新生的季节。
当外面的世界变得寒冷时，让我们反思一下包围着我们的上帝之爱的温暖。 教父们，我们信仰的明智而神圣的引导者，提醒我们，即使在最黑暗的冬天，基督的光芒也明亮地照耀着。 尼萨的圣格列高利教导我们：“冬天让位于春天的花朵，同样，我们的灵魂通过道成肉身的奥迹而更新。”
化身之谜是本季的核心。 当我们等待庆祝道成肉身时，让我们沉思圣亚他那修的深刻话语：“他成为我们现在的样子，以便他可以使我们成为他现在的样子。” 在基督的卑微诞生中，我们找到了喜乐的源泉和新生命的应许。
降临节是灵性怀孕的时期，是一段等期盼的时期，就像母亲等待孩子出生的期盼一样。 在这个充满希望的季节，让我们呼应圣奥古斯丁的话，他宣称：“希望有两个美丽的女儿：她们的名字是愤怒和勇气。对事物现状的愤怒和看到事物不再原样的勇气。” 当我们为基督的诞生做准备时，让我们的心对世界的破碎充满正义的愤怒，并有勇气通过基督的爱成为变革的推动者。
我们的西仪圣礼与教会古老的相呼应，呼唤我们为救世主的到来而欢欣鼓舞。 降临礼仪以其令人心酸的赞美诗和经文，邀请我们参与永恒的救赎戏剧。 当我们敞开心扉迎接和平之君时，让我们留意先知以赛亚的话：“预备耶和华的道路，修直他的路”。 降临使我们都像施洗者圣约翰一样，回应以赛亚向世界发出的呼喊。
当我们度过这神圣的几周时，愿降临节的精神渗透到我们的生活中。 让我们拥抱新生的喜悦，基督带来的希望，以及对圣诞盛宴的期待。 用圣利奥大帝的话来说，“基督徒，记住你的尊严，既然你分享了上帝的神光，就不要因罪而回到以前的基本状态。”
愿这个季节成为我们每个人精神更新和转变的时刻。 当我们热切地等待着耶稣诞生的庆祝活动时，让我们怀着充满感恩和爱的心，走近马槽。 在这个降临节期间，愿圣婴的祝福与您和您的家人同在。
在基督的爱和期待中，
约瑟夫主教
东亚及东南亚传教区
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