As we step into the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ, the readings for the First Sunday of Advent on December 1, 2024, invite us to reflect deeply on themes of hope, vigilance, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This Sunday marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, and it sets the tone for the weeks leading up to Christmas.
What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time. It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them. We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.
Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink. The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer. Purple is also used during Lent. Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple. During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up. Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.
The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy." We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth. As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath. See the end of this post for the link.
First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
The first reading comes from the Book of Jeremiah, where the prophet speaks of a future filled with hope and divine justice:
"The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill 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.'"
Jeremiah's prophecy reassures us that God's promises are steadfast and will be fulfilled. The "just shoot" from David's line symbolizes the coming of the Messiah, who will bring justice and peace. This reading encourages us to trust in God's plan and to remain hopeful, even in times of uncertainty.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
The responsorial psalm echoes the themes of guidance and trust in the Lord:
"To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and for you I wait all the day. Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction."
This psalm is a prayer for divine guidance and a reminder of God's unwavering kindness and faithfulness. It calls us to humility and to seek God's truth and justice in our lives.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
In the second reading, St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them to grow in love and holiness:
"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."
Paul's message emphasizes the importance of love and holiness as we prepare for the coming of Christ. It is a call to live in a way that pleases God, growing in virtue and faithfulness.
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
The Gospel reading from Luke presents a vivid description of the signs of the end times and a call to vigilance:
"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.'"
Jesus' words remind us of the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for His coming. The imagery of cosmic disturbances and the call to vigilance serve as a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters and to live in a state of readiness.
Reflection
The readings for the First Sunday of Advent invite us to embrace hope and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Jeremiah's prophecy assures us of God's faithfulness, while the psalm calls us to seek divine guidance and trust in His ways. Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians encourages us to grow in love and holiness, and Jesus' words in the Gospel remind us to stay vigilant and spiritually awake.
As we begin this Advent season, let us take these messages to heart. May we cultivate a spirit of hope and anticipation, trusting in God's promises and striving to live in a way that reflects His love and justice. Let us remain vigilant in our faith, preparing ourselves for the joyous celebration of Christ's birth and His eventual return.
: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120124.cfm)
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