Father And Joe

Is Advent just a mini-Lent? Not really. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks clarify Advent’s unique character: not penance before a Passion, but hopeful waiting for the Lord who comes. We explore patience vs. self-denial, why Advent trains desire more than endurance, and how the Church’s Dec 17–24 “O Antiphons” (source of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) intensify longing as Christmas draws near. We end with a practical call: while we wait, build relationships and prepare room for Him—at home, parish, and work—through concrete acts of love. All through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasAdvent’s core: waiting, patience, and hope—not a second Lent or a pre-Christmas Good Friday.Different virtues: Lent emphasizes conversion and penance; Advent trains desire and confident anticipation.The “O Antiphons” (Dec 17–24): ancient titles of the Messiah that crescendo toward Christmas and inspired O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.Waiting isn’t passive: pray, reconcil