Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection December 01, 2024

First Sunday of Advent

01st December 2024 (Sunday)

Psalter: Week 1

Reading of the Day

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R/. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

Brothers and sisters: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen. Finally, brothers and sisters, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God and as you are conducting yourselves you do so even more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel : Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon 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. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Daily Gospel Reflection

Sunday – First Sunday of Advent

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We once more enter the sacred season of Advent.
Let us reflect on the true meaning of Advent, its importance, and strive to live out its purpose.
When we think about Advent, immediate flash in our mind is nothing but “Christmas.”
For many of us, Advent is just a few days before the nativity of the Lord.

Our Advent Preparations

This is the time for setting up nativity cribs, hanging stars, singing carols, rehearsing for the Christmas choir, decorating and lighting up churches, organizing programs and gatherings, inviting or visiting friends and family, and indulging in special shopping for festive outfits or unique items, among other activities.

The True Meaning of Advent

We fully acknowledge the significance of all the above-mentioned activities.
However, most of the times our concern lies in Advent being confined solely to these practices.
Undoubtedly, Advent is a sacred period of preparation leading up to the holy celebration of Christmas.
Undoubtedly, these efforts are essential to the thorough preparation for this blessed season.

What real preparations we need to do?

Preparation of Hearts and Lives

This preparation goes far beyond external activities.
It reaches into a deeper and more profound dimension.
It is a time for getting ready hearts, families, and lives—both collectively and individually.
It is about preparing to meet the Lord who is drawing near.

Preparing a Birthplace for the Lord

It involves creating a worthy dwelling for the one who will be born among us.
It means ensuring there is ample, pure space for Him to enter.
It is about setting the entire world to welcome the Lord who will come to meet us.

Advent as a Commemoration and Celebration

Mainly, Advent is a time to remember and celebrate a significant event from the past.
It should serve as a meaningful occasion to inspire us to follow its example.
It reminds us of the incarnation of a loving God who entered our sinful world.
This season should move us to marvel at God’s selfless love, which renounced heavenly glory to embrace human struggles and suffering.
It calls us to emulate the spirit of the incarnate Savior.
Moreover, it urges us to live in alignment with the purpose of His birth—to welcome Him into our lives and allow Him to transform us.

The Purpose of Advent

Advent is a celebration of Christ’s past birth, His abiding presence within and among us, and the promise of eternity with Him.
Our preparation during this season should reflect on the past, guide us in our present journey, and elevate our gaze toward the future.
As Jesus reminds us, “When these troubling events occur, lift your heads and look up, for your redemption is near.”
Advent should ready us for a meaningful immediate celebration, a faithful ongoing life, and a glorious eternal destiny.

The End Times

Today’s Gospel speaks of the end times with a focus on the future, yet this future need not be confined to a distant point marking the completion of all time and space.
The concept of the future and the end transcends a purely chronological understanding.

When is the Appointed Time?

This is not about a fixed or definite moment in time.
Instead, it refers to an appointed time—a divinely determined moment.
It signifies the time of judgment.

Factors Hindering Fitting Preparation

Jesus warns us about three obstacles that disrupt our proper preparation: dissipation, drunkenness, and worldly concerns.
These factors impede the harmonious integration of the past, present, and future in our spiritual journey.
Dissipation anchors us in the past, weighed down by regrets and negative influences.

Impact of Drunkenness

Drunkenness promotes a deceptive reality, distancing us from the truth of the present and our responsibilities within it.
This term extends beyond literal intoxication, encompassing a lifestyle focused on pleasure and comfort, detached from genuine purpose.

Consequence of Worldly Cares

The distractions and anxieties of worldly life prevent us from aspiring to higher, spiritual goals.
These three factors hinder effective reflection on the past, dedication to the present, and preparation for the future.

In short,

Dear Brothers and Sister let this season of Advent serve as a sacred remembrance of the past, a meaningful engagement with the present, and a hopeful construction of the future.
May God bless you always and we march forward with Hope.