The Third Week of Advent

Walk With One: Connect

As we prepare our hearts to receive the Good News of Christ's coming this Advent, let's also do our part to prepare others' hearts as well. How do we begin? The revival, through its Walk With One initiative, has given us the four Stages of Spiritual Companionship to guide our evangelical efforts. In the third week of Advent, we'll focus on Stage 3: Connect. Advent is a busy season for most of us, but reflect on how you can connect with the person you identified and for whom you are interceding. Could it be in the context of a festive gathering?

3. Connect in Eucharistic Friendship

2. Intercede for that Person in Communion with the Holy Spirit

"Look for ways to accompany the person you have prayed for, to build a deeper relationship, and to practice the art of empathetic listening.

"Eucharistic friendship builds upon the dynamic that Jesus revealed in his relationships with the disciples and, above all, at the Last Supper—he takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it. It is important to take or receive what the other person has to share, to bless or lift it up in prayer, to let the Holy Spirit help break open an area for potential growth, and then to give of yourself in response. It is also important to recognize that this may not be a “one and done” conversation but is more likely to be a series of conversations and invitations, developing a real friendship with that person. Find an appropriate time to begin growing in your friendship, perhaps over coffee or lunch. Listen deeply for promptings from the Holy Spirit as you get to know your friend’s joys and struggles. Share with them some of your own.

"Listen respectfully when the conversation turns to spiritual matters, including their relationship with God and questions or concerns about the Church, and reserve judgment about their opinions. Some people might be ready to discuss the spiritual life after only a conversation or two, while for others it might take more time."

  • Meet up for coffee.
  • Share lunch together.
  • Plan a weekly phone call with someone you plan to walk with throughout the year.
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

This collect prayer begins the Mass for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Jesus is calling us to "take up battle against spiritual evils." We'll explore fasting itself in a few weeks; during the week of Ash Wednesday, we're going to dig into an important set of weapons the Lord gives us to fight evil: sacramentals.

What's a sacramental? Well, if you attend Mass on Ash Wednesday, you're probably going to receive one on your forehead.