First Sunday of the Advent : A: December 1, 2019

    "PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVENT"
Advent: a time to be awake and to make a fresh beginning..

First Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5
Second Reading: Romans 13: 11-14
Gospel Reading: Matthew 24: 37-44

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah gives a vision of universal peace with the coming of Messiah. The Prophet lived at a time of great distress for the people of Israel. He speaks about the future messianic kingdom where all will be united and will enjoy great peace. We are challenged by Isaiah to work for a new world order which was inaugurated by the coming of Christ .

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage Paul reminds us that it is time to wake up since our salvation is close at hand. We need to turn away from the darkness of evil and walk in the light of Christ to be true witnesses of that light.

"Coming of Jesus the Messiah" 
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage urges us to stay awake because we do not know the day or the hour when Christ comes again. Jesus used an unusual imagery of a thief coming at night. This passage is a warning for us not to be engrossed in worldliness so as to forget what is most important - doing God's will. We need to be alert and watchful at all times.
Through this metaphor of a thief coming unexpectedly Jesus tells us the following:
1. We are warned to be vigilant. 2. Time of the coming of the Lord cannot be predicted or calculated. 3. Disciples are to be engrossed with their assigned mission but not to spend time in speculations.
We know from experience that thieves often break in and steal when we least expect them. Secrecy is their best weapon. Similarly the day and the hour of Christ's coming is unknown to us. That necessarily implies that our lives must be a constant preparation for His coming. Hence the first Sunday of Advent sets our sights on life's horizon when Christ comes to us again. For many people today the presence of Christ means very little. It is our duty to make Christ's presence real for the unbelievers and doubters.
Advent gives us the message 'Stay awake ..watch because Christ is certainly coming into our lives'
"Only that day dawns to which we are awake" - H.D. Thoreau. 
"Arise, awake and stop not, until the goal is reached" - Swami Vivekananda. 

Thirty Fourth Sunday: C: Feast of Christ the King:November 24,2019

"JESUS THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE"

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 12-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 35-43

   *First reading is from the Second book of Samuel. This passage describes about shepherd David who was anointed as king . It mentions that David was already anointed king of Judea. Later northern tribes too accepted him as their king. Thus David became de-facto king of the whole of Israel. David's kingship became a pre-figuration of the universal kingship of Christ.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. In this passage Paul gives thanks to God for having delivered humankind from the dominion of darkness and brought us to the kingdom of His Son Jesus. Christ is the image of the invisible God and head of the Church and He is also the Lord of all creation.

" The true identity of Jesus the King"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage mentions about the inscription placed above the Cross- " Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews". It proclaims the true identity of Jesus the King. Jesus is the Messiah (the anointed one ) and the King. Even as He died on the cross, He was giving consolation and forgiveness to all those around Him. There were many people below the cross of Christ : soldiers, Pharisees and by-standers who were mocking and challenging Him saying "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself". He asked forgiveness for them from the Heavenly Father and said " Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing".
Again when the thief on His right pleaded saying "Jesus remember me when you are in your kingdom", Jesus immediately assured Him a place in paradise. As He was dying on the cross, He called His mother and the beloved disciple and entrusted His mother to the disciple and told His mother, "this is your son" pointing to the disciple. Hence Jesus' final gift to every believer was His mother to be our heavenly mother. 
Christ's kingdom is a very special kingdom. He has come not to conquer but to love. He has come not to rule but to serve. He has come not to have possessions but to give them away (even His own mother). Thus He is the king of our hearts and minds.
"Hungry for love, He looks at you. Thirsty for kindness, He begs you. Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you. Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you. Will you be that one to Him?" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 
"Rome is gone, Napoleon is gone, Hitler is gone, but the Kingdom of Jesus marches on" - D. Guzik.