December 7, 2004

During the Advent season, the rubrics for the Mass, that is the liturgical directives, indicate that purple or violet is the color to be used for both the priests' vesture and appointments in the sanctuary. Since the color is the same as the Lenten season, there are some well-meaning liturgists who have been advocating that a "more joyful, less penitential" color like blue should be used. Their reasoning is, in fact, quite reasonable; Advent is not Lent. Yet the final word from Rome, in short, says: "nice idea guys, but stick to the violet – thanks."

Some conservative types might believe that the popular rage for a happier, groovier, "less Lenty" color originated with liberally-oriented clergy apparel companies. It was then quietly promulgated in seminaries and chancery offices by secret sales agents trained by money-hungry marketing professionals. Money, we know, often fits somewhere in the plot. This, of course, is fantasy at best. No, it has little to do with secret plans; but much to do with shallow thinking. Perhaps, shallow reflecting is the better term.

If we really mean what we sing - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" - we better put on the purple. Yes, this color is a sign of soberness and reflective repentance. Like in Lent, during Advent it means that we must change our hearts and purify them if we are serious about asking Christ to come. We're not inviting some important prelate or even our saintly pope, rather the Prince of Peace and Lord of All.

If you're getting ready to receive guests during the Christmas season, it means you have to expend time, energy, even money to make sure everything is as it should be. Only in fairy tales do things becomes neat and clean with the wave of a wand. Ah yes, if I knew Christ was coming to visit me, while saddened and ashamed of my filthy face and disheveled hair, what would I do? I would quickly open my closet, put on the purple, and say, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof…"

Advent is a time to prepare, not by changing colors - but hearts.

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant (superior), residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers, New York
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