First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
How can we make this season of Advent different and special? How can we make sure that our spiritual readiness to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th does not get pushed aside by our shopping, decorating, baking or anything else?
The first reading from Jeremiah tells us of the birth of Jesus. The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah…
The gospel tells us of the second coming of Jesus: And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. …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.
While Luke’s gospel speaks about the second coming of Jesus, we can find strong advice for preparing for the coming of Jesus at the end of our lives. 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.
Jesus also comes to us throughout each day of our lives, as we find Him in the least of the brethren – our brothers and sisters in need – spiritually, physically, emotionally or psychologically. If we miss Jesus’s coming to us in our human “brothers and sisters”, we will not be prepared for His coming on December 25th, the second coming or at the end of our lives.
Jesus also comes to us in the sacraments. We meet Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in His mercy. Jesus comes to us in the Holy Eucharist.
How do we prepare our heart, mind and soul for this coming?
Let our prayer this Advent be the words from St. Paul in our second reading: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all… This will make our Advent special! God bless us all always! Deacon Mike