Le temps de l’Avent commence !

December 1, 2019
First Sunday of Advent
Readings for Today

“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42 (Year A)

“Be watchful! Be alert!” Mark 13:33a (Year B)

“Be vigilant at all times and pray.” Luke 21:36a (Year C)

Advent begins with a call to vigilance as reflected in the passages above. There are numerous Scripture passages that call us to this vigilance and anticipation of the Lord’s coming; these are only a few. Being vigilant means, also, that we are prepared. We are not caught off guard. Imagine if Christmas morning came and you woke up suddenly realizing that you forgot to prepare! Imagine if you had no gifts, no food purchased and no plans were made. Of course you wouldn’t allow that to happen, but we do sometimes allow it to happen spiritually speaking. We often are not prepared to celebrate the birth of Christ within our hearts.

La première semaine de l’Avent nous invite aussi à tourner notre regard vers la seconde venue du Christ. Jésus reviendra, dans toute sa splendeur et sa gloire, pour juger les vivants et les morts. Nous professons cette vérité chaque dimanche dans notre Credo. Ainsi, même si l’Avent est un temps de préparation à la célébration de la première venue de Jésus dans la chair, il est aussi un temps pour reconnaître que sa première venue trouve son accomplissement ultime dans sa venue finale et glorieuse.

As Advent begins, reflect upon how ready you are for Jesus’ coming. Are you preparing for it with the same fervor that you prepare for Christmas through shopping, cooking, decorating, etc? Are you looking forward to that day when He will return? Are you preparing for the spiritual celebration of His birth? Are you awake and attentive to the numerous ways that God speaks to you on a daily basis?

Si vous constatez que vous n’êtes pas aussi prêts pour son retour dans la gloire que vous le souhaiteriez, faites de cet Avent un temps pour préparer votre cœur. Engagez-vous dans la prière, les exercices spirituels et la méditation, et soyez attentifs à sa voix douce et glorieuse.

Lord, as Advent begins, help me to put my eyes on You. Help me to open my ears to Your voice. And help me to open my heart to Your glorious presence. May I be attentive to You in every way You desire to come to me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Autres méditations sur l’Évangile

Méditations sur la Miséricorde divine

Advent Resources

All Saints for Today

Watch on YouTube

Prepare for Advent!