1st Reading – Is 2: 1 – 5
2nd Reading – Rom 13: 11 – 14
Gospel – Mt 24: 37 - 44
Our
Mother Church graciously dedicates a period of four weeks time in her Liturgical
calendar immediately after the last Sunday of the Ordinary time and names it
the Advent season.
With the first Sunday of the Advent
begins also the new liturgical year. The
word advent comes from the Latin word “advenio” meaning “coming”. It is a time of expectant prayerful waiting and joyful preparation
for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus at Christmas as well as a season that
reminds and directs our hearts and minds to await for the Second Coming of
Jesus Christ.
Coming
of a special guest to our families is an added joy and we prepare ourselves to
receive him with due preparation; so also the Church bids us prepare and gives
us special guidance especially for the meaningful celebration of the sacred
liturgy. The readings for the Holy Mass
during this Advent season are chosen from the Sacred book in such a way they
call our attention to “stay awake” and to be “prepared” to receive the Lord who
would come at a time or day which is not known to anyone.
Our Roman Missal gives the direction
that to mark the difference during Advent the floral decoration of the altar
and the use of musical instruments should be moderate suiting to the character
of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the
Nativity of the Lord.
Advent is a time to renew
and deepen our relationship with God with deeper and regular prayer. It is a
time of turning to the Lord and calling Him, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Our turning to
the Lord should be manifested in our turning to our brothers in need, need of
our consoling and gracious presence with them, need of some concrete kind
actions of charity like buying some clothing, giving a good food and so
on. Undoubtedly this will demand some sacrifice
from our part turning less and less or even to say ‘no’ to the market with
alluring products.
Questions that everyone should pose at the time
of Advent are:
During this season of grace, how do I plan to prepare
myself to receive the Lord personally in my heart and collectively in our
biological or religious families? Am I really listening to the voice of God in
the Scriptures and take necessary steps to do more in my personal relationship
with the Lord and with my sisters and brothers in need? Am I prepared to see my
sisters and brothers in need and forgo some of my personal needs?
“Come Lord Jesus” my heart and my home is ready.
By - Rev. Fr. Maria Arul CMF arulcmf@gmail.com
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