First Sunday of Advent

December 2, 2012

READINGS:

[3] Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10+14
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Reflection upon the ‘coming of the Lord’ in the old testament from Jeremiah and the beautiful words of St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. ‘The coming’ from the words of Jesus are found in the Gospel.

REFLECTION:

Advent Wreath Week 1My eyes caught in the readings for Advent as I meditated upon them, last year’s letter from Father Gregory Gay, CM, Superior General to the Vincentian Family these beautiful lines:

“That is why, I believe, the Church gives us Advent, in seasons of change, It reminds us of God’s enduring love. Through the Incarnation of Jesus, God assures us of His abiding Presence in our world. In Jesus, we have a God Who always accompanies us in times of light and darkness, in the settled center and uncertain edges of our lives. Yet, it is on the edge, ‘ the outer limits’ of Life, that the Lord Jesus is often revealed to us.”

-Fr. Gregory Gay. C. M. (Advent, 2011)

In the readings of Jeremiah, he shows us “the days are coming, says the Lord”. We see the genealogy in the haunting words: “I will raise up for David a just shoot; He shall do what is right”. St. Paul points out what we can do in Advent to deepen our lives “on the edge” by saying “strengthen your hearts; be blameless in holiness before our God, at the coming of our Lord Jesus.” Jesus assures us in the Gospel to be “vigilant, but not anxious” and to wondrously wait.

TRY THIS TODAY: In preparation for Advent, make your resolve ‘simple’ for one practice.

Sister Fran Ryan, D.C
Ladies of Charity Sister Moderator

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