We begin Advent and with it, a new liturgical year and, therefore, the possibility of renewing our following of Jesus in radicality, recognizing his presence in our lives and in the world.

Advent begins with the invitation to watch as key. The Gospels repeat it constantly: “watch”, “be alert”, “live awake”. This invitation from Jesus is not only for the disciples but for all his followers of all times.

A “sleeping” Church whose heart Jesus Christ does not seduce or touch is a Church without a future, which will fade and grow old for lack of life. May this synodal journey that we have begun help us to be a living community of believers, seduced by Jesus and which keeps us awake as we wait.

Let us begin this season of Advent aware of this attitude to which Jesus invites us: Watch!