1st Sunday of Advent (c)
This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.
The Season of Advent.
Sunday 29th November: The 1st Sunday of Advent (c).
Advent begins today. During these days, we look forward, waiting in hope. We focus on the coming of a person – Jesus, Saviour of the world, the One who has come, is still coming to us and is to come in the future as the Lord of glory. Advent is a time of waiting, conversion and hope. We watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ who was born for us just a little over 2000 years ago.
The first reading is from a part of the Book of Jeremiah known as the Book of Consolation. In a time of war and bitterness, the prophet consoles the people with the promise of better times, a day when a son of David will bring salvation. Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus.
St. Paul offers a word of encouragement with a prayer that his early converts remain faithful and faith-filled and so be prepared for the second coming of Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns his followers to be vigilant. The followers of Jesus should be preparing for the second coming of Christ with confidence, vigilance and prayer.
Monday 30th November: Solemnity of St. Andrew.
He is a native of Bethsaida and was a follower of John the Baptist before being called by Jesus. He then introduced his brother, Peter, to Jesus. He brought the message of Christ to the Gentiles and is believed to have preached in many parts of the then known world. He is the Patron Saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece. His death on a diagonal cross is commemorated in the Scottish flag. He introduced many to Jesus e.g. St. Peter, his brother. He died on the cross in Achaia
Tuesday 1st December: Tuesday of the 1st week of Advent.
Isaiah foretells that one will come from God who will have the spirit of wisdom, insight counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord. He will be a man of great integrity who will bring peace.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds the people that the prophets longeed for the opportunity that they are being given Too the Messiah, to hear him and bring his message to the world that is what the people of Israel have been waiting for and now, in the person of Jesus, the time of waiting is over.
Wednesday 2nd December: Wednesday of the 1st week of Advent.
For Isaiah, the sign of messianic times is that through the Messiah, God will give to his people an abundance of food and drink. The symbolism of the great banquet is used to portray eternal happiness and the blessings which will be part of God’s kingdom. Death will be destroyed forever and every tear will be wiped from every cheek.
Jesus foreshadows the land of plenty when he heals the many sick and feeds the multitude in the desert.
Thursday 3rd December: Memorial of St. Francis Xavier.
He was born in Spain, joined the Jesuits and spent every moment of his life trying to convert people to Christ. He was one of seven Jesuit priests sent to India in the 16th century by St. Ignatius. He worked as a missionary in Goa and Japan. He died as he attempted to enter China in 1552 at the age of 46. He is Patron Saint of the Missions.
Friday 4th December: Friday of 1st Week of Advent.
In this season of hope, the word of God gives us a vision of hope. Those who believe in God’s presence and action in the world will see salvation. Isaiah makes this promise in the name of God.
In the Gospel, the blind man sees again. When we celebrate the Eucharist, we profess our faith that God, in fact, begins the fulfilment of this promise in Jesus. He has committed himself to the world through Jesus. We need to be healed so that we can accept the message of Christ in all its fullness.
Saturday 5th December: Saturday of 1st week of Advent.
The Old Testament text promises restoration to God’s people after their conversion. The prophet uses various images to bring home to the people the happiness that would be theirs when the day of salvation dawns. God will take pity on his people.
In the Gospel, Jesus will go out to meet us and help us. Today it is his Church which provides that service through its members – reaching out to those who are in need of any kind. Each Christian is a missionary commissioned by Christ to carry on the work of the apostles.
O Wisdom,
you come forth from the most high,
You fill the universe and hold all things together
In a strong and gentle manner.
O come,
To teach us the way of truth.
