Catholic Identity

Gospel Reflection

1st Sunday of Advent

Summary

Jesus reminds His followers that we don’t always know when big or important moments in life will happen — especially when God moves or calls us into something new. He uses the story of Noah to say that people were busy with everyday life and didn’t realise something significant was coming. His message is simple: stay awake, stay ready, stay grounded in what matters. Not in fear, but in awareness.

It’s a call to live with purpose, kindness, and faith so that whenever God invites us into something, we are ready.

Scripture – Matthew 24: 37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.

‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

Reflection

This scripture isn’t about fear — it’s about readiness. We all get caught up in the day-to-day: work, family, tiredness, routines, the end-of-year rush. Jesus knows this. He isn’t saying stop living your life — He’s saying don’t fall asleep to what really matters.

Being “awake” means being present. Being “ready” means living with intention.

For us, that might look like:

Being patient even when we’re exhausted.
Choosing kindness even when we’re stressed.
Slowing down long enough to notice the people who need us.
Staying connected to God even in busy or chaotic seasons.

This scripture is really Jesus saying, “Don’t drift. Don’t live on autopilot. Stay connected to what is good and true.” When we live that way, we’re ready for anything — big moments, small moments, and God’s quiet nudges in between.

Where in my life do I tend to “switch off” or go into autopilot?
What helps me stay grounded, present, and aware of God in the everyday?
Is there something or someone I’m being called to notice more intentionally this week?
What would “being ready” look like for me — emotionally, spiritually, or practically?

Prayer

Loving God,

Help me stay awake to what matters. When life gets busy or overwhelming, keep my heart steady and open. Show me how to live with purpose, kindness, and awareness. Help me be ready for whatever You call me into — not with fear, but with trust. Walk with me today and guide my steps.

Amen.

End of Year Mass & Grade 6 Graduation

Thursday 11 December, 6.00–7.30pm

Our school community is warmly invited to join us for our End of Year Mass, celebrated by Fr Junray. This special liturgy is an opportunity to give thanks for the year, pray for one another, and honour our Grade 6 students as they celebrate their graduation.

Following Mass, we invite all families to stay for a sausage sizzle and BBQ picnic on the church grounds - a relaxed way to finish the evening together as a community.

We look forward to celebrating with you.