In Advent 1882, Mother Marie Eugenie delivered a message that remains as relevant today as it was then. She invites us to live this season with hearts ready to welcome the reign of Jesus Christ in our lives and in society.
She reminds us that Advent is not only a commemoration of the long wait of the patriarchs and prophets but a call to actively long for Jesus’ coming: “Your Kingdom come” (Adveniat regnum tuum). This time invites us to fervently pray for the reign of Christ to be established in us and in the world.
Mother Marie Eugenie highlights two key aspects of this reign:
The reign of Christ within us: She challenges us to ask ourselves if Jesus truly reigns fully in our lives. While we may declare Him as our Lord and King, she prompts us to recognize areas where His presence is not yet complete: “Do we not feel there is something more to add to the reign of Our Lord?” She calls us to pray for His presence to grow in us, transforming everything we do, and fulfilling John the Baptist’s words: “He must increase, and I must decrease” (Jn 3:30).
The reign of Christ in society: Mother Marie Eugenie encourages us to persevere in prayer and action, even in challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of education as a means to establish Christ’s reign: “If through education we first form Christian girls and then Christian women and families, shall we not have contributed to the social reign of Jesus Christ?” This work, she reminds us, has the power to shape generations and transform society.
Finally, she calls us to live Advent with fervent prayer and ardent longing: “Come with Your gentleness which converts, with Your power which subdues, with the charm of Your wisdom and beauty. Come, enlighten the world, come and save us.”
Today, as then, Mother Marie Eugenie inspires us to prepare the way for the Lord with faith, hope, and commitment.
If you wish to read the full text, click here: Advent, December 3rd, 1882.