Introduction: St. Bernard and the Essence of Advent
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century monk, theologian and Doctor of the Church, masterfully brought Scripture to life with sermons that blend theological depth and spiritual warmth. His Advent and Christmas homilies, particularly on the three “advents” of Christ and Mary’s fiat, offer timeless guidance for believers during these special seasons. Below are reflections on two of his profound homilies, followed by questions for personal meditation.
First Homily: The Three Advents of Christ
In his 5th Homily on the 3 Comings of Christ, St. Bernard illuminates Advent as a season to meditate on three “advents” of Christ:
- The Past Coming: Christ’s Incarnation, when He came in flesh and weakness to redeem humanity.
- The Present Coming: Christ’s spiritual presence in our hearts and lives through grace, offering rest and consolation.
- The Future Coming: Christ’s final return in glory and majesty, bringing the fullness of life and eternal reward.
St. Bernard writes:
“In his first coming, he came in the flesh and weakness; in this middle one, in spirit and power; in the final one, in glory and majesty… This middle coming is the way by which one comes from his first to his final one. In his first coming, Christ was our redemption. In his final coming, he will appear as our life. In this middle one, he is our rest and consolation.”
This reflection deepens the significance of Advent. It is not only a time of remembering Christ’s birth or anticipating His return but also a call to recognize His active presence in our lives today. Bernard challenges us to allow Christ’s “middle coming” to transform us:
“Let it penetrate deep into the core of your soul and then flow out again in your feelings and the way you behave; because if you feed your soul well, it will grow and rejoice.”
Second Homily: The Whole World Awaits Mary’s Reply
In his 4th Homily on the Annunciation, St. Bernard presents a vivid and dramatic depiction of the moment when the angel Gabriel awaited Mary’s “Yes.” Bernard portrays all creation holding its breath, yearning for her consent:
“The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.”
He imagines the patriarchs and prophets, from Adam to David, pleading for her response:
“All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet.”
Mary’s fiat, her trust-filled surrender to God’s will, carries the weight of salvation for all humanity. Bernard exhorts her:
“Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.”
Mary’s response, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord,” serves as a model for believers. St. Bernard calls us to mirror her trust and surrender, saying:
“Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.”
Reflection Questions for Advent
- On the Three Advents of Christ:
- How can you deepen your awareness of Christ’s daily advent in your life during this Advent season?
- If Christ’s final coming was the happen on Christmas day, how well would you be prepared? In what ways can you prepare for this final advent with greater faith, hope, and love?
- On Mary’s Fiat:
- How can you deepen your fiat to God during this Advent season?
- Is there any part in your life God wants you to surrender with loving trust?
- Personal Renewal:
- What changes do you need to make today to ensure that this Advent and Christmas season will be the “best” ones of your life?
Prodigal Catholic 
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