Moment of Grace. Now.

First Sunday of Advent

28 November 2021 

 

First Reading: JER 33:14-16

Responsorial Psalm: PS 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Second Reading: 1 THES 3:12--4:2

Gospel: LK 21:25-28, 34-36

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

"Beware that your hearts not become drowsy..."

The late Cardinal John O'Connor, former Archbishop of New York, once related a story when he went to confession to an elderly priest. The priest told him, "Now is a moment of grace. Something big is about to happen; something very big. And it's going to happen to you. We are about to begin Advent. God has become incarnate in human condition, for you, personally for you. God has become a little baby right in the middle of the sins you just told me about. You have reason for new and wonderful hope."

In today's Gospel, Jesus wants us to keep an eye on our hearts lest they become tired from "carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life." Such mundane activities often mark the forthcoming Christmas season. The Church sets aside for weeks of spiritual preparation called Advent to help us to slow down, listen to, and act upon the Lord's warning. Like what the elderly priest told Cardinal John, Advent is a moment of grace and hope for all of us. Let us then take advantage of what Advent offers us that we may stand straight before Jesus, our coming Messiah.

• How do you keep your heart from becoming drowsy due to the mad rush to Christmas?
• How can Advent be a season of "new and wonderful hope" for you?
• How will you stand if Jesus suddenly arrives at your doorstep?

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your word today. Awaken our hearts from the long night of sin and vice into the new day of hope and peace in Your presence. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!