Today, we begin the Advent season, which also marks a new liturgical year, highlighted by patiently waiting and at the same time preparing for the coming of the Lord.

In 1925, in that brief period of time that stands between two world wars, Pope Pius XI affirmed through his encyclical Quas Primas the true reign of Christ the King, who is more than any leader, political system, or worldly order. Let me quote section 33, which is a good reminder for us and what should begin our reflection today:

Truth be told, whenever I hear a prophecy or a speculation of when and how the world will end, I find myself amused over the lengths that people will do math and conjure images of how the Lord’s “second coming” will come.

Reflections on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica by Fr Earl Valdez / Dominus Est