Nov 29, 2020 - 1st Sunday in Advent

(Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Cor 1:3–9; Mk 13:33–37)

Advent is here! The time of waiting and watching in hopeful expectation brightens our winter. In the first reading, Isaiah reflects on the push and pull of waiting and hoping for the coming of the Lord, while also realizing (and fearing) that we are not worthy of Him when He does appear. Saint Paul reassures us that the grace of Christ bridges this gap, so we can wait in hope and not fear. During the Advent season, we wait and watch for a known time, the arrival of Christmas; but today’s Gospel points us toward the time we are awaiting, which we cannot know – the return of Christ. We are a people on the watch for the return of our Lord at every moment. As we plan for Holiday festivities, we put together shopping lists, decorate, and plan each day. For the Lord’s coming, however, since we cannot know the hour, we must be constantly ready. How can we do this? By not putting off those things that keep us ready. Do not wait to forgive the grudge, to stay in touch with a friend or loved one, to donate to charity, to set aside time for prayer.

• Reflect on the word “watch.” Jesus uses it three times in this week’s Gospel. We all have things we are waiting and hoping for. What are you watching for right now?  How do you watch for Christ in your day-to-day life?
• It can be easy to neglect something that seems so distant as Christ coming again; but actually, we do not know when Christ will return. What distracts you from watching for Christ faithfully? If it were today, what areas of your life would you wish you had more time to change?
• There are many traditions and rituals at this time of year, such as Advent wreaths and Advent calendars. What is one of your favorite traditions? A new one to incorporate might be to set up your manger at the start of Advent and add a piece of hay each day to the manger, along with a memory of a good deed or special prayer done that day. Family members can share the experiences that their piece of hay represents as they add it to the manger.