Pope Says Advent Should Be Time Of Preparing, Honoring Christ As King

By CINDY WOODEN, CNS

Published: December 4, 2003

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Advent should be a time of vigilance when Catholics prepare not only to mark Christ’s birth but to honor him as king of heaven and earth, Pope John Paul II said.

At his Nov. 26 general audience, which fell between the feast of Christ the King and the first Sunday of Advent, the pope focused on the “royal hymn” of Psalm 110 proclaiming the enthronement of King David’s descendent at the right hand of God.

Although written in reference to earthly kings of ancient Israel, the psalm traditionally has been read by Christians as a reference to the kingship of Christ and his final victory over the enemies of sin and death, the pope said.

By saying that the enemies of the king are placed at his feet, the pope said, the psalm underlines the contrast between “the plan of God, which works through his elected one, and the designs of those who would want to affirm their own hostile and abusive power.”

Speaking in Polish to pilgrims from his homeland, the pope said that Advent, which began Nov. 30, “is a special time to train ourselves in vigilance as preparation for our Christmas encounter with Christ, who has shown himself to be king and lord in the glory of heaven.”

Addressing Portuguese pilgrims, the pope asked Catholics to continue their prayers for “the extension of Christ’s kingdom of truth and life, of justice, love and peace for the whole earth.”

Pope John Paul seemed to have no difficulty reading his short texts and greetings at the audience, and he led the singing of the Lord’s Prayer in a strong voice.