I Await to Receive the Person of Christ

Interview with Yesy Castillo

Part Two from our “In Need of A Savior Day by Day” Series

Photo by Chelsey Shortman

Yesy is a missionary at heart! She desires to help others know Christ and His love for them not just at every corner of the world but also within the corners of her own home. She served as a Totus Tuus missionary, studied theology, traveled across the US sharing the Gospel, and continues her mission at a parish as a Pastoral Associate. Her best friends are Padre Pio, St. John Paul II, St. Joseph, & St. Therese of Lisieux. She enjoys mornings & kale juice. Her favorite beatitude is "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

Yesy’s Interview

Tell us about your past experiences with Advent. Is it a busy season, a time of intimacy with Jesus, or something else? 

I think it’s safe to say that Advent is usually a very busy time for all. However, unfortunately, it tends to be busy with everything else but the soul. Society has done a great job at distracting us. It prepares us for a day rather than a person and before we know it Christmas is “over.” GUILTY. It wasn’t until I heard a priest once say “When you expect a visitor how do you prepare for their arrival? You prepare your home by cleaning and organizing, right? That is what we must do with our souls: cleanse them by going to confession and organize our priorities. There are many things that should get done but there are things that NEED to be done first like praying” From this day, Advent has never been the same. Advent, for me, is a time of reflection and recollection with the hope to prepare for a PERSON rather than just a day. This has really helped my Advent become more intentional. My Christmas is no longer a day but rather a reminder of how my life should be a constant preparation for the Second Coming of our Lord! It’s a game changer. 

Have you prayed with an image, song, or other piece of art during Advent? Tell us about it! 

Yes, one of my favorite songs of all time is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Cliche? It may seem cliche but if you take a look at the lyrics it is more than just your typical Christmas song! It is about what the Lord has done for us and His future promises! It is a song of hope, a song that helps you focus on the PERSON and not the day. Game changer? Absolutely. 

Consider Mary and Joseph’s communal anticipation of their Son. How does their very real anticipation inspire yours? 

You can’t have Advent and Christmas without Mary and Joseph! Since I can remember, Las Posadas are a huge part of my Advent preparation. If you don’t know, let me share a brief history of the posadas and their meaning. The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it's been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay at night. (Posadas is Spanish for “lodging or accommodations.”) Beginning on December 16 and ending nine days later, on December 24th, Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary ’s pregnancy. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims. And so it begins: At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes place on the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Religious figures, images and lighted candles are a part of the tradition. The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses singing songs asking for lodging. They are refused time and time again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home and festive foods are shared. The tradition continues each evening with a different house as the chosen Posada. The last night — Christmas Eve — usually features a midnight mass.

The nine days of Las Posadas is more than just a feel-good tradition. It deepens faith and strengthens ties with the community at a holy time. Just as Mary and Joseph faced the cold weather- and even colder innkeepers that night- participants brave the elements in bringing their love for the Christ Child to their streets. Las Posadas aren’t about being somber and still during Christmas. It is about prayer and deepening of faith as you spiritually walk with Joseph and Mary in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

However, the past two years I have been doing a meditation, one year with Joseph and one year with Mary, on walking the journey from the Annunciation to the moment of Our Lord’s Birth through the eyes of Joseph and Mary. (Check it out on Ascension Presents!) This meditation has helped me grow closer to both Joseph and Mary, but especially My Savior. Joseph may have been a man of few words but his silence pointed towards the most important person, Our Lord. In Joseph’s silence God spoke! St. Joseph’s silence is a reminder for me to make more time for silence throughout my day and allow God to speak! In the Liturgy of the Hours, the invitatory, it says, “Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: do not grow stubborn as your Fathers did in the wilderness.” It is the only way to listen to the voice of the Lord, if we make time for him, especially within the silence of our hearts. I could say so many things about Mary, but one of the most beautiful things I have loved to meditate on is her motherhood. Motherhood reveals her heart in ways that cannot be revealed otherwise. Her constant thought of God within her womb is a preparation for what is to come! She reminds me that God should be my constant thought so that I may be prepared, everyday, for His promises! 

As we anticipate our Savior, it can be difficult to be present or attentive to what God is calling us to in our everyday lives. How do you make space to be present in Advent and Ordinary Time?

You can say that again! It can be very difficult, but never impossible! I make space by going to bed early and waking up early enough to do Liturgy of the Hours (sometimes Rosary) before I head to work. It is very helpful to have a friend that can keep you accountable. Believe it or not, this really helps me stay more focused on God throughout my day because I am constantly reflecting on the psalms read and other readings that I read earlier that morning. It also helps me be more aware of His presence and providence throughout the day. The cool thing about it is that there is a set that is for the entire year! You can use the app too! Liturgy of the Hours is not a very common devotion amongst the laity, but let me say it is a religious and priests’ little secret to holiness! I wish more people would know about this little secret! Here’s the catch though, just like the Rosary, you have to pray it, especially when you don’t feel like it! It’s during the “I really don’t feel like praying it” moment when it’s the most fruitful!  This devotion has been such a blessing in my life. It has helped me grow in discipline not just in my spiritual life but all other areas. It is definitely worth a try! 

This interview was compiled and edited by Ashley A. Hinojosa

---