Advent

As the school year and the calendar year draw to a close, the new Liturgical Year begins with the Season of Advent.

Advent is a time of preparation for the season of Christmas, the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ, but it is also a time of preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus. It is a time to reflect and to ask ourselves - "How are we making Jesus a part of our lives and making Kingdom of God alive in our world?"

In this year, where the rhythm of life has certainly been challenged, to stop, take stock, begin again, seems more vital than ever. The new liturgical year is certainly a great opportunity to refresh and step forward.

You may like to take the time to read and reflect on the Gospel reading for Sunday.

An adult introduction

The First Sunday of Advent's gospel focuses on the coming of Christ at the end of time. 

Since we don't know when this will happen, we are told that they should always be ready. How can we do this? 

If you teach your children to live peaceful and loving lives, they will always be ready to meet Christ and so will you.

The Gospel

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 13:33-37)

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.