READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE 21: 25 - 28, 34 - 36
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’ ‘The Gospel of the Lord’
ADVENT REFLECTION: First Sunday of Advent year C 1st Dec 2024.
Welcome to the Season of Advent and a New Liturgical Year C. Advent is a beautiful and enjoyable season. It is a particularly brief time, yet intense and deeply hope-giving and joyful. And this year, it is a short period, as it is only three and a half weeks till Christmas. Two ways of understanding Advent:
1. Advent helps us to prepare for Christmas as it recalls and celebrates the first coming of Jesus into our world as a human person and the Saviour of the world.
Advent carries a sense of quiet reflection, inviting us to prepare thoughtfully for the joyous celebration of Christmas and the reason for Christmas – which is Christ the Lord.
1. Advent also anticipates the Second coming of Christ in glory at the end of time and calls us to be ready to meet the Lord without fear, whenever he comes to us. Hence, there is great value in embracing Advent fully and marking it meaningfully.
What should we be doing in Advent?
· In our journey through Advent, we are to spare the time to read, reflect, pray and learn about the life and work of Jesus Christ in the world.
· We are to stay awake in prayerful hope, faith and love, welcoming Jesus into our personal life each day. Our Advent Prayer is: Come Lord Jesus!
· We are to share the love of Christ and blessings of God with everyone, knowing that Everybody matters, whatever their situation or circumstance, because Christ became one of us. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ & God is ever coming towards us to save us. In the words of St. Teresa of Avila, 'ours are the eyes with which Christ looks with compassion on this world.' We should encounter Jesus in every person we meet, as we journey towards Christmas. May God strengthen us to respond positively to the message of Jesus. Amen
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