First Sunday of Advent

Roof boss of Noah's Ark
Norwich Cathedral, England

Here are the readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2010:

Isaiah 2: 1-5
Psalm 122: 1-9
Romans 13: 11-14
Matthew 24: 37-44

We begin a new Liturgical Year, and the Sunday readings are taken from Year A.  We begin a new Liturgical season, Advent, whose purpose is to prepare us for the season of Christmas.

The readings speaking of preparation. While the Gospel speaks of us preparing as to guard against a thief or a flood, the other readings and psalm encourage us to prepare for right living, peace, and salvation. And they are all correct!

Let's think about preparation. In most households, much preparation has gone into getting ready for Thanksgiving: cleaning the house, shopping for and cooking the feast, setting the table, etc. One person's drudgery is another's joy. Then there is the anticipation of house guests: friends and family who may bring delight or trepidation by their presence.  Life's hardly ever simply simple--- mixed in with our abundant blessings are challenges and concerns large and small.

• What do the images of these readings mean to you?
• How can you prepare for the coming of Christ, both at Christmas (at Easter through the waters of baptism for catechumens) and at the end of time?

There is no RCIA session this Sunday.