Sunday, November 29, 2015
First Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 3 (NAB Translation)
This is the first week of the season of Advent when the liturgical color is purple and we anticipate the season of Christmas that begins on December 25th. We also officially begin a new liturgical year.
Reading 1
Jeremiah 33:14-16
This week’s first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah is a promise from the Lord that He will rescue His people. Everyone remembers David, and this coming King will be from the same line. As we enter the darkest time of the year outside (in our hemisphere), we reflect on how the world is getting darker and in need of more light. The people of God will know that enduring the difficult times in the desert and the many years of tribulation were not in vain.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
- (1b) To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Reading 2
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
This week’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the early church when there was an expectation that His return would be very soon. He proposes 2 important points of preparation: love earnestly and strive to live in holiness.
Alleluia Psalm 85:8
- Alleluia, alleluia.
Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.
Gospel
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
This week’s Gospel from St Luke is a dramatic visual of the heart of Advent. As we prepare for the coming of the Lord in the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, Advent is also about preparing our hearts for the coming of the King in glory. The Gospel reveals that there are two very different futures that await us at the end of time or at the end of our lives. We can choose to live in His love or not. There are very direct consequences to the way we choose to live our lives, and we can’t let down our guard for “That day will assault everyone.”
Gospel meditation
Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez
During Advent, the Lord asks us to reflect on where our attention lies. Our society says we are to strive to have everything now. More is considered better. The struggle for more and new things creates chaos in our lives and turns us in on ourselves. Today, Jesus calls us to be vigilant keeping our focus on Christ so that we recognize him and run to meet him, both in our daily lives and at his final coming. How can I be more aware of Christ’s presence in my life (family, friends, co-workers, etc.)?
