"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.
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.
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