Day 5: Generations

Editor’s Note: On this fifth day of our Advent blog series “Hidden Joys,” Overseas Lay Missioner Victor Artaiz reflects on generations of faith in his family. 

As I leave the Thanksgiving holiday celebrations with family and friends, I carry cherished feelings of gratitude, faith, hope, and love into the spirit and season of Advent. We continue our family and Catholic traditions as we participate in our generational and humble practices of making the way for the arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Image credit: Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

Together we participate in attending daily and weekly Mass, partaking in our liturgical traditions as our ancestors have throughout history. We feel the warmth of Christ’s light as the first of the Advent candles are lit and glow near the altar. Daily readings from a variety of Advent prayer books are shared and enjoyed by loved ones and taught to the younger generations. As I ponder and reflect on these thoughts for Advent, I realize my blessing of having a Granddaughter who was part of five generations of women who each, in their own way, carried so many generational practices of celebration to her.

Victor’s daughter and granddaughter

I realize that it is my short time here to lead and share our Catholic and Franciscan traditions and pillars of simplicity, accompaniment, fraternity, and solidarity with her, my family, and community. Let us all, in our own way and time, reflect on how we should prepare for the coming incarnation of Jesus and continue to pass on the light to our following generations.