This morning, my unconventional Advent calendar offered me a miniature bridge. The inner-child turned former professional engineer in me was delighted. As a kid I loved to play with Legos and as an adult I sort of look at buildings, bridges, and infrastructure as just large scale Lego sets for adults.  As I reflected on today item from my Advent Calendar,  the symbolism of a bridge began to sink in. A bridge connects—it spans chasms, unites divided places, and makes travel possible where there was once only separation. What better metaphor for today’s Advent theme of reconciliation?


Advent is a time of preparation, not only for celebrating Christ’s birth but also for His glorious return. It’s a call to take stock of our spiritual terrain, smoothing the hills of pride and filling the valleys of indifference, as Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). Building bridges is a vital part of this spiritual landscape work. In a world often fractured by misunderstandings, grudges, and outright hostility, Christ calls us to be bridge builders—agents of reconciliation and peace.


The second week of Advent focuses on conversion of heart, a transformative turning back to God. Reconciliation is at the core of this process, both in our relationship with God and with others. Today’s Gospel gives us a glimpse of the heart of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His yoke is easy because it is the yoke of love and mercy, the very tools needed to repair broken relationships.


Today’s optional memorial of Pope Saint Damasus I offers an example of reconciliation in action. The word “pontiff” comes from the Latin _pontifex_, meaning “bridge builder.” Damasus lived up to this title during a time of significant division in the Church. He worked tirelessly to affirm the canon of Scripture, ensuring unity in what Christians believed and taught. His dedication to preserving the integrity of the Church was a monumental act of bridge building, connecting the faithful across theological and cultural divides.


So, how can we be bridge builders this Advent? Let’s start with a spiritual inventory. Are there relationships in your life marked by distance, resentment, or silence? Perhaps it’s a family member you’ve stopped calling or a friend whose political views sparked a falling out. Reconciliation doesn’t require grand gestures—it begins with small, humble steps.

1. Extend the First Olive Branch: Be the one to reach out, even if you feel the other person is in the wrong. As Pope Francis reminds us, mercy is the bridge that connects God and humanity; we’re called to imitate it.
    
2. Listen Before Speaking: Sometimes, reconciliation begins with simply hearing the other person’s perspective. Active listening can build trust and open pathways to healing.
    
3. Ask for Grace: Pray for the courage to overcome pride or fear. The sacrament of Reconciliation can be a powerful way to align your heart with Christ’s.
    
4. Be Patient: Bridges aren’t built overnight. Allow the process to unfold with time and persistence, trusting that God works even in silence.
    
This week, choose one relationship to focus on. Write a letter, make a call, or even send a text to express your desire for reconciliation. If the divide feels too wide to cross in one leap, pray for the other person daily, asking God to prepare both your hearts for healing.

Advent reminds us that Christ is the ultimate bridge between heaven and earth. As we await His coming, let us become more like Him by mending what is broken, healing what is hurt, and uniting what is divided. Let the little bridge on my Advent calendar inspire us all to prepare the way of the Lord—one step, one act of love, at a time.