MY daily reflection and prayer:
Sunday, November 29, 2015
The First Sunday of Advent
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St.
Luke 21:25-28,34-36
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
“But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
TODAY is the first Sunday of Advent. We are now in the liturgical year C. As we know it well, in the Catholic Church, we have the liturgical year which includes the cycle of readings A, B and C that allows us to reflect on the mysteries of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother, the angels and saints. It begins with the first Sunday of Advent and concludes with the Feast of Christ the King.
Advent is a season observed as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”. The Advent season reminds us that we are a pilgrim people who long for our true home with God in his heavenly kingdom. We await with joyful hope the coming of Jesus Christ at the end of the age.
The Gospel today tells us about Jesus Christ who invites us to be good Christians in preparing to accept Jesus’ coming by reading signs, especially signs which God sends our way. Jesus tells us that his final great sign would be his coming in glory at the end of the age. He will come as Judge and Merciful Redeemer to vindicate those who accepted him as Lord and Savior and to punish those who rejected him.
Jesus Christ is ready to give us fresh hope and grace to walk in his ways. His grace enables us to actively watch for his action in our lives, and to actively pray for perseverance and endurance when we face trials and difficulties. He wants to work in and through us for his glory.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist we worship Jesus Christ who is ever ready to fill us with his strength and divine power. May our heart be hungry for God. May we are not weighed down by other things.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, may we never lose sight of the signs of your presence in our lives and the signs of your action in the world today. May we never tire of listening to your word, seeking you in prayer, and longing for your return in glory now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
