Gospel Reflection Nov 28 – Deacon Don
Sunday, November 28
First Sunday of Advent
Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Gospel:
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.”
Gospel Reflection:
With the Feast of Christ the King last week, we now transition into a new liturgical year this week by celebrating the first week of Advent. If Christ the King rules over everything, how did this expression of faith all begin? We get to relive the experience each year during Advent. The word, Advent, comes from the Latin meaning “coming, arrival.” Our thoughts can be immediately drawn to the coming of Jesus the Christ at Christmas, but it also speaks to the coming of the Lord ominously referred to in Scripture today. Jesus connects the sentimentality of Bethlehem and the work ahead, to vigilance of His return. This is a season to take stock in ourselves just as we might do in making our New Year resolutions each year on December 31st. Our life is a journey of pilgrimage. The best way to meet the intended goal of the pilgrimage is to know where we are, so we can place ourselves on the right path that gets us there. Some hints in doing this can include:
- Facing realities — of who we are and accepting our own weaknesses as an opportunity for improvement rather than suppressing our faults.
- Standing erect — by facing the realities of our own weaknesses and not overly brooding about them. If we do so, we are already on the path for improvement.
- Living with uncertainties — recognizing that any change in our lives has risks of failure. All of life is a series of successes and failures. Regardless of whether or not we take these risks, we are on the journey if we accept it or not and learn from our successes and failures.
- Staying aware — when we do see change and improvement in our lives. Celebrate it, accepting the fact that each new goal achieved opens the door to yet another possible improvement and change, repeating all the risks we just experienced.
Jesus is both coming and arriving into our lives each day, but especially notable in the Gospel readings of the Advent Season.
Deacon Don Poirier