Fr. Dawid Kwiatkowski
St. Anne Catholic Church
Advent is a season of waiting, preparation, and hope—a time to reflect on our lives and prepare to welcome Christ, not just at Christmas but also in our hearts every day. This preparation calls us to confront our sins, the prisons we build brick by brick with every act that separates us from God.
Even St. John the Baptist, imprisoned for proclaiming the truth, demonstrates a profound freedom in his unwavering faith. Despite his suffering, John remained steadfast in his mission, his life one of service and sacrifice for the Lord. Jesus declared, “Among those born of women, there has been none greater than John the Baptist,” a testament to John’s total surrender to God’s will. His life reminds us that true greatness lies in saying “yes” to God, even when the path is hard.
As we journey through Advent, it is easy to become distracted by the busyness of the season—shopping, decorating, and preparing meals. While these are part of our celebrations, the heart of Christmas lies within. The newborn Christ awaits a gift from you: your heart, your devotion, and your willingness to follow Him.
For some, this season can be difficult—marked by loss, loneliness, or struggles. Yet, Jesus comes precisely for those who feel poor in spirit, wounded by sin, or weary from life’s burdens. He brings light, peace, and hope to every soul, no matter how distant they may feel from Him.
A powerful story illustrates this truth. Ann Marie Schmidt, a Czech nurse during World War II, recounted a moment when, exhausted and broken after days of tending to soldiers, she heard a dying Russian officer call out, “Do you have the beads?
The beads with the man on the cross?” He was referring to a rosary, something he had remembered from his grandmother’s prayers as a child.
Though he had lived far from faith, in his final moments, he sought God. Ann Marie prayed with him, led him in an act of contrition, and baptized him with his own blood.
He died holding the rosary, his first and final Christmas filled with the peace of Christ’s presence.
This story reminds us that Christ never withholds His grace from anyone. He comes to each of us, no matter our past, to bring hope and salvation. Like John the Baptist and the Russian soldier, we are invited to embrace this gift, to say “yes” to Jesus and allow Him to transform our lives.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us examine our hearts. What are we waiting for? Are we ready to accept Christ into our lives, or are we held back by distractions, doubts, or fears? St. Paul urges us to be patient and persevere in prayer, trusting that God never gives up on us.
Young people especially can look to John the Baptist as a role model. He lived a radical life, saying “no” to worldly comforts and “yes” to God.
Holiness requires courage and a willingness to follow Christ’s call, even when it challenges us. Like Mary, who said “yes” to bearing the Son of God, and Joseph, who protected and provided for Him, we too are called to radical trust and obedience.
As Christmas approaches, remember that Jesus comes not to force His way into our lives but as a child who needs to be accepted and loved. He is near—closer than we imagine. In the Eucharist, on the altar, and in our hearts, He waits to bring peace and joy to our lives.
Prepare your hearts.
The blind see, the lame walk, the confused find their way, and the dead are raised. Where are you? Will you say “yes” to Him?