Watch and pray at all times, that you may have the strength . . . to appear before the Son of Man" (Lk 21:36).
These words of Christ, taken from the Gospel of Luke, introduce us into the profound meaning of the Liturgy we are celebrating. On this first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the second year of immediate preparation for the Jubilee of the Year 2000, the exhortation to watch and pray, in order to be ready for the encounter with the Lord, resounds more vividly than ever.
The thought goes first of all to the meeting next Christmas, when once again we will kneel before the cradle of the newborn Saviour. But the mind also races towards the great date of the Year 2000, when the whole Church will relive the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word with a very special intensity. Towards that goal we are invited to quicken our pace, letting ourselves be guided, especially during the present liturgical year, by the light of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, "among the primary commitments in preparation for the Jubilee is the rediscovery of the presence and action of the Spirit, who acts in the Church" (Tertio millennio adveniente, 45).
In this perspective, the Great Jubilee Committee continues to carry out its work with commendable commitment. Its valuable ecclesial service deserves to be encouraged, especially at this stage so close to the historic deadline. Thanks to the initiatives of animation and coordination put in place by this central body, the path that will lead the People of God to cross the threshold of the third millennium can be better directed and stimulated.
6. "Behold, days will come . . . in which I will fulfil the promises of good that I have made" (Jer 33:14). Through the action of the Spirit, the Lord leads the history of salvation through the centuries to its supreme fulfilment.
"Send forth thy Spirit and renew the face of the earth!" As upon Mary, Virgin of Advent, send your Spirit upon us. Send your Spirit, O Lord, upon the city of Rome and renew its face! Send your Spirit upon the whole world as it prepares to enter the third millennium of the Christian era.
Help us to welcome, like Mary, the gift of your divine presence and protection. Help us to be docile to the promptings of the Spirit, that we may proclaim with courage and apostolic ardour the Word who became flesh and came to dwell among us: Jesus Christ, the God made Man, who redeemed us with his death and resurrection. Amen!
[Pope John Paul II, homily 30 November 1997]