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.
A primeira semana do Advento também nos convida a voltar o olhar para a Segunda Vinda de Cristo. Jesus voltará, em todo o Seu esplendor e glória, para julgar os vivos e os mortos. Professamos essa verdade todos os domingos no Credo. Assim, embora o Advento seja um tempo de preparação para a celebração da primeira vinda de Jesus na carne, é também um tempo para reconhecer que Sua primeira vinda encontra seu cumprimento definitivo em Sua vinda final e gloriosa.
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?
Se você perceber que não está tão preparado para a Sua volta em glória quanto gostaria, faça deste Advento um tempo de preparação do seu coração. Comprometa-se com a oração, os exercícios espirituais, a reflexão e a atenção à Sua voz suave e gloriosa.
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.
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