Vatican City: Fr. Roberto Pasolini, the newly appointed Preacher of the Papal Household, delivered his inaugural Advent reflection to Pope Francis and the Roman Curia on Friday, centering his sermon on “The Door of Wonder.” This meditation invited listeners to rediscover awe in the mystery of the Incarnation and embrace the transformative hope it offers as Christmas approaches.
Fr. Pasolini emphasized that true wonder awakens in the heart when we open ourselves to God’s newness, as exemplified by Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel. He noted that embracing this divine invitation requires softening our hearts and overcoming barriers like fear, resignation, and cynicism. Only then can we view the world with fresh eyes, recognizing the seeds of God’s presence and responding to His call with renewed purpose.
The theme of this year’s Advent sermons, “The Doors of Hope: Toward the Opening of the Holy Year through the Prophecy of Christmas,” served as the framework for Fr. Pasolini’s reflections. After honoring his predecessor, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, who served as the Papal Household’s preacher for 44 years, Fr. Pasolini introduced the central idea of “The Door of Wonder” and its significance in preparing for Christmas and the upcoming Jubilee Year.
Drawing on the voices of the prophets and the courage of biblical figures like Elizabeth and Mary, Fr. Pasolini highlighted the challenge of Advent: to recognize God’s presence within the fabric of history and to remain open to His ongoing work. He contrasted Elizabeth’s boldness in breaking from tradition with Mary’s humble assent to God’s plan, illustrating two essential attitudes for embracing salvation.
Fr. Pasolini also reflected on Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, noting her holy wonder and willingness to accept God’s will without fully understanding it. Mary’s joyful consent, expressed in her words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word,” represents the essence of Advent faith: a wholehearted “yes” to God’s transformative promises, even when they challenge our sense of security and control.
Concluding his sermon, Fr. Pasolini encouraged the Curia to embrace God’s invitations with courage and wonder. He reminded them that every authentic encounter with the divine involves a surrender of certainties but leads to profound self-discovery and renewal. Through faith and trust, he urged, we too can find ourselves ready to say, “Here I am,” and step through the door of wonder into God’s unfolding story.