Mass Readings from December 1, 2019:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44
Stay awake
The Mass readings for first Sunday of Advent is about the importance of staying awake to greet our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes.
It can be challenging to stay awake all night whether be taking care of a sick relative or waiting for a love one to return from a trip. This Sunday’s second reading and Gospel mentions the theme of staying awake when Jesus returns in glory.
In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus tells his listeners to stay awake for they do not know the day when the Lord comes. Jesus mentions that in the days of Noah people went about their business until the flood came. Therefore, Jesus warns his disciples that they must be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus says, “you also must be prepared for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Mt. 24:44 New American Bible)
As followers of Jesus we prepare ourselves for the Lord’s coming by living each day as a gift since we don’t know for sure if tomorrow would come. Moreover, we are not to take each other for granted. We need to find an opportunity each day to tell our love ones how much they mean to us such as saying those simple but hard to say three words. For example, “I love you”; “I am sorry”; and “I forgive you.” Therefore, its best to be reconciled and make amends before the day ends.
We also prepare ourselves for the Lord’s return by a daily conversion. St. Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans that “it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now when we first believe; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.” (Rom. 13:11-12 NAB) St. Paul then urges his community to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day.” (Rom. 13:12 NAB) In other words, St. Paul is urging his community to prepare themselves for the Lord’s return by letting go of their sins and to walk in the path of righteousness. For us we “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” by confessing our sins to the priest who forgives us in the name of Christ and reconciles us to the church. We are putting our soul in mortal danger by putting off in going to confession. We come up with excuses for not going to confession by minimalizing our sins, justifying our actions or assuming that God will forgive us even though we are not sorry and continue to sin. Yet, we only find healing when we come face to face to the truth and acknowledge our sinful past before God and his Church through the priest. Therefore, may we be ready to meet the Just Judge with a clean heart and a clear conscience.
During this liturgical season of Advent, we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ not only celebrating his birth at Christmas but also reminding ourselves of the promise that our Lord will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. There are several Advent practices which helps us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ.
One Advent practice is the communal celebration of an Advent penance service which several priests from nearby parishes come to help to hear confessions after a service of Scripture readings, reflection, and music. Those penance services can be an opportunity to let go of anger and resentments as well as attachments to sin. Furthermore, confession can be a means of healing and reconciliation with enemies as well as with ourselves. Another Advent practice is prayer whether be using an Advent calendar and say the prescribed prayer, or reading an Advent meditation book, or simply spending some time adoring Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Most of all the greatest way to prepare for the coming of the Lord is by receiving Holy Communion at Mass. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist we are receiving countless graces and strength to persevere in our faith until the Lord comes again. It is the Eucharist which sustains us and strengthens us not to grow weary in doing what is right, not to give into doubt or despair as well as encouragement to not to become lazy by putting off spiritual devotions. Moreover, Holy Communion invigorates us so we can remain awake until the Lord comes. Therefore, may we stay awake for our salvation is near.
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44
Stay awake
The Mass readings for first Sunday of Advent is about the importance of staying awake to greet our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes.
It can be challenging to stay awake all night whether be taking care of a sick relative or waiting for a love one to return from a trip. This Sunday’s second reading and Gospel mentions the theme of staying awake when Jesus returns in glory.
In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus tells his listeners to stay awake for they do not know the day when the Lord comes. Jesus mentions that in the days of Noah people went about their business until the flood came. Therefore, Jesus warns his disciples that they must be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus says, “you also must be prepared for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Mt. 24:44 New American Bible)
As followers of Jesus we prepare ourselves for the Lord’s coming by living each day as a gift since we don’t know for sure if tomorrow would come. Moreover, we are not to take each other for granted. We need to find an opportunity each day to tell our love ones how much they mean to us such as saying those simple but hard to say three words. For example, “I love you”; “I am sorry”; and “I forgive you.” Therefore, its best to be reconciled and make amends before the day ends.
We also prepare ourselves for the Lord’s return by a daily conversion. St. Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans that “it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now when we first believe; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.” (Rom. 13:11-12 NAB) St. Paul then urges his community to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day.” (Rom. 13:12 NAB) In other words, St. Paul is urging his community to prepare themselves for the Lord’s return by letting go of their sins and to walk in the path of righteousness. For us we “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” by confessing our sins to the priest who forgives us in the name of Christ and reconciles us to the church. We are putting our soul in mortal danger by putting off in going to confession. We come up with excuses for not going to confession by minimalizing our sins, justifying our actions or assuming that God will forgive us even though we are not sorry and continue to sin. Yet, we only find healing when we come face to face to the truth and acknowledge our sinful past before God and his Church through the priest. Therefore, may we be ready to meet the Just Judge with a clean heart and a clear conscience.
During this liturgical season of Advent, we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ not only celebrating his birth at Christmas but also reminding ourselves of the promise that our Lord will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. There are several Advent practices which helps us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ.
One Advent practice is the communal celebration of an Advent penance service which several priests from nearby parishes come to help to hear confessions after a service of Scripture readings, reflection, and music. Those penance services can be an opportunity to let go of anger and resentments as well as attachments to sin. Furthermore, confession can be a means of healing and reconciliation with enemies as well as with ourselves. Another Advent practice is prayer whether be using an Advent calendar and say the prescribed prayer, or reading an Advent meditation book, or simply spending some time adoring Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Most of all the greatest way to prepare for the coming of the Lord is by receiving Holy Communion at Mass. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist we are receiving countless graces and strength to persevere in our faith until the Lord comes again. It is the Eucharist which sustains us and strengthens us not to grow weary in doing what is right, not to give into doubt or despair as well as encouragement to not to become lazy by putting off spiritual devotions. Moreover, Holy Communion invigorates us so we can remain awake until the Lord comes. Therefore, may we stay awake for our salvation is near.
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