By Bro. Al Vu, SDB
(Los Angeles, California) – As we enter the second week of Advent, we continue our journey of waiting, preparing, and longing for the coming of Christ. This is a time of deep reflection, a time of hope-filled expectation. In this season of Advent, we not only look forward to the birth of Jesus, but we also remember the model of perfect faith, trust, and obedience—the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is the shining example of how to prepare our hearts to receive Christ, and as Salesian educators, we are called to draw inspiration from her life and example as we walk alongside our students.
Mary: A Model of Faith and Trust
In this second week of Advent, we focus on the theme of trust—trust in God’s plan, even when we cannot fully understand it. Mary, a young woman living in Nazareth, was visited by the angel Gabriel and asked to be the mother of God’s Son. Her response to this momentous call was one of humble obedience: “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s “yes” to God was not a simple decision; it was an act of profound faith and trust. As Salesian educators, we are called to help our students learn to trust in God’s plan for their lives, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Advent is a season of waiting, but it’s also a season of trust. Mary shows us how to say “yes” to God, even when we do not fully understand what He is asking of us. Her “yes” was not just a momentary decision, but a daily commitment to trusting God with her whole life. As we guide our students through this season, we are invited to help them grow in trust—not just in the big moments, but in the little everyday decisions where God is quietly at work.
Mary: A Model of Humility and Service
Mary’s role in the Advent story is one of service. She didn’t just accept the angel’s message and wait for things to happen; she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. Mary’s willingness to serve others, even in the midst of her own great calling, teaches us the importance of humility. She didn’t seek attention or fame, but humbly followed God’s plan for her life. As educators, we too are called to serve our students in humility, putting their needs before our own and showing them the importance of service to others. In the second week of Advent, let us reflect on how we can serve those in our care—whether through listening, encouraging, or simply being present to them. Our role is not just to teach academics, but to model the love and humility that Mary showed in her service to others.
Mary: A Model of Joy and Hope
One of the most striking aspects of Mary’s journey is the joy and hope that radiates from her, even in the midst of uncertainty. When she visited Elizabeth, her cousin was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). In response, Mary broke into the beautiful hymn known as the Magnificat, proclaiming, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Mary’s joy was not based on external circumstances, but on her deep trust in God’s promises. In this second week of Advent, we are invited to reflect on the joy that comes from knowing Christ. As Salesian educators, we are called to bring joy into our classrooms and school communities, even when things are challenging. We are called to remind our students that Advent is a season of hope—hope in the arrival of Jesus and hope in the ways He continues to work in our lives.
A Call to Action
In this second week of Advent, let us look to Mary as our model of faith, trust, humility, service, prayer, and joy. Just as Mary’s “yes” to God changed the course of history, our own “yes” to God—our willingness to walk in His footsteps and to serve those around us—has the power to shape the lives of the young people we serve.
As we prepare for the coming of Christ this Christmas, let us pray for the grace to embody the virtues that Mary so beautifully lived. Let us cultivate hearts that are open to God’s plan, hands that are eager to serve, and lives that radiate the hope, joy, and love of Christ.
An Advent Prayer
Mary, Mother of Hope,
In this second week of Advent, we ask for your intercession as we prepare our hearts and the hearts of our students for the coming of Christ. Teach us to trust in God’s plan, to serve with humility, and to reflect on His love in prayerful silence. Help us to radiate joy and hope, just as you did in your own journey.
Guide us to be models of faith for those we serve, so that we may help them prepare to welcome Christ into their lives with open hearts. Amen.