Podcast Summary: The Season of Advent: Advent through the Centuries
Catholic Bible Study hosted by the Augustine Institute delves deeply into the rich history and evolving traditions of the Catholic season of Advent in the episode titled "The Season of Advent: Advent through the Centuries", released on December 12, 2024. Dr. Bronwyn McShay, a visiting assistant professor of history at the Augustine Institute, guides listeners through the theological, liturgical, and cultural developments of Advent from its origins to modern practices.
1. Introduction and Definitions of Advent (00:05 – 05:30)
Dr. McShay begins by defining "Advent" through the lens of Webster's Dictionary, highlighting its three meanings:
- Liturgical Season: The primary focus, observed beginning four Sundays before Christmas as a time of prayer and fasting.
- Reason for the Season: Centers on Christ’s Incarnation and His Second Coming.
- Non-Religious Connotation: Simply signifies an arrival or coming into being.
She emphasizes that the podcast will concentrate on the first definition, exploring Advent's significance within the Catholic tradition.
Notable Quote:
"Advent, the season we are discussing today, begins four Sundays before Christmas and is observed as a time of prayer and fasting." (00:45)
2. Historical Origins of Advent (05:31 – 15:50)
Dr. McShay traces Advent's origins to the Latin word adventus, meaning arrival or appearance, commonly used in pagan Rome to denote the ceremonial visits of gods or emperors. This etymology underscores the symbolism of Christ's divinity and kingship when St. Jerome adopted the term in his Latin Bible translations around 347-420 AD.
She highlights that Advent as a distinct liturgical season emerged in the fourth century, contemporaneously with figures like St. Augustine, who acknowledged two advents of the Lord—past and future.
Notable Quote:
"Given the connotations that the Latin word 'adventus' already had among Latin speakers learning about Christianity, the term would have reinforced the message that Christ was both divine and a king, the king of all creation." (10:15)
3. Advent in the Early Church to Medieval Period (15:51 – 30:20)
Dr. McShay discusses early evidence of Advent observances, such as the 380 AD decree in Saragossa, Spain, mandating church attendance from December 7th to Epiphany. However, she notes the absence of standardized Advent practices in Rome until the 5th century under Pope Leo the Great.
During the early to high medieval periods, Advent retained a strong penitential character, akin to Lent. Practices included fasting three times a week and special sermons preparing the faithful for Christ’s birth and Second Coming.
Notable Quote:
"From the 4th century to early medieval times, Advent had a strong penitential dimension similar to that of the Lenten Season." (22:10)
4. Liturgical Developments and Standardization (30:21 – 45:00)
The transformation of Advent’s liturgical practices is discussed, highlighting Pope Gregory the Great’s contributions in the early seventh century. He established special prayers, chants, and readings for Advent, promoting uniformity across Latin rite churches.
Dr. McShay points out the gradual standardization of Advent’s liturgical elements, such as the O Antiphons, and the integration of Advent into the Divine Office. By the medieval period, these liturgical forms became widespread, facilitated by the proliferation of books like missals and the use of the Divine Office by the laity.
Notable Quote:
"Pope Gregory the Great... legislated that they'd be employed in all the Latin rite churches, leading to a highly developed liturgical proper of Advent." (35:45)
5. Cultural Transformations in Medieval Europe (45:01 – 60:30)
Advent evolved from a purely penitential season to one embracing joyful anticipation. Influential figures like St. Francis of Assisi played pivotal roles in this transformation by emphasizing the Nativity’s humble and joyous aspects. The creation of live Nativity scenes and the popularization of carols reflected this shift.
Medieval carols, rooted in vernacular languages and often intertwined with liturgical themes, became a means of lay devotional expression. Dr. McShay cites "Angels We Have Heard on High" as an example of a carol originating from this period, blending scriptural references with popular melodies.
Notable Quote:
"Francis emphasized to a new degree to move the hearts of his fellow Christians, Christ's birth in humble circumstances and his coming into the world not only as the King of kings, but also as our infant brother." (52:20)
6. Reformation and Liturgical Reforms (60:31 – 75:15)
The Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation brought renewed focus on Advent’s penitential aspects. Leaders like Saint Charles Borromeo in Milan sought to revive fasting and confession during Advent, countering the rise of secular and popular customs that diluted the season’s spiritual intent.
Dr. McShay references historian Eamon Duffy, who observes that despite reformers’ concerns, popular traditions often retained deep Christian underpinnings, as evidenced by the integration of liturgical language into lay carols.
Notable Quote:
"Eamon Duffy underscores that the internalization among ordinary people of the religious themes and patterns of the liturgy was striking, even as they participated in convivial carol singing." (68:40)
7. Modern Developments: Advent Wreaths and Liturgical Practices (75:16 – 90:45)
The Advent wreath, a modern addition to Advent traditions, originated in 16th-century Germany and was initially a Protestant custom adopted by Catholics over time. These wreaths typically feature evergreens and candles symbolizing the weeks of Advent, with variations including purple and red candles to reflect liturgical colors.
Dr. McShay explains the Advent wreath’s symbolic meaning, representing the passage of each week and the anticipation of Christ’s coming. She notes their widespread use in contemporary Catholic homes and churches, bridging historical and cultural practices.
Notable Quote:
"Advent wreaths were first generally used in German lands, dating back to the 16th century, and they symbolized victory and glory in the ancient world." (85:30)
8. Reflections from Pope Benedict XVI (90:46 – 105:30)
Concluding her presentation, Dr. McShay shares reflections from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2009 homily during the first vespers of Advent. Pope Benedict emphasizes the theological depth of Advent, viewing time as a kairos—a favorable opportunity for salvation.
He underscores Advent’s essence as "God is here," highlighting the continual presence of Christ in the world. Pope Benedict’s insights connect historical developments with contemporary understandings, reinforcing Advent’s enduring spiritual significance.
Notable Quote:
"Advent impels us to understand time and history as a kairos, as a favorable opportunity for our salvation." (103:15)
9. Conclusion: The Evolving Nature of Advent (105:31 – End)
Dr. McShay wraps up by affirming that Advent’s diverse practices and understandings across centuries and cultures reflect the dynamic relationship between the Church and its faithful. She emphasizes that while traditions evolve, they are unified by the shared anticipation of Christ’s coming, both in history and in the present.
She encourages listeners to embrace Advent's multifaceted nature, recognizing it as a living tradition that continues to foster deep spiritual connections.
Notable Quote:
"The Church is developing liturgical traditions, doctrines, understandings, and popular customs over many centuries and across many different places and cultures, ultimately evidence of real action in our ordinary human lives." (105:00)
Final Thoughts
This episode of Catholic Bible Study masterfully navigates the historical and cultural journey of Advent within the Catholic Church. Dr. Bronwyn McShay provides a comprehensive exploration of Advent’s origins, liturgical evolutions, and its enduring significance, enriched by scholarly insights and poignant reflections. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Advent’s place in Catholic tradition, this episode serves as an enlightening and engaging resource.