Education in Faith
First Sunday of Advent
This week we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first Sunday of the new liturgical year.
In this New Year, the Gospel of Luke is the primary Gospel. We hear Jesus speak to his disciples about the need for vigilance and prayer as they wait for the coming of the Son of Man in glory. The Gospel passage marks the conclusion of a long dialogue in which Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, warns about the suffering and tribulations to follow, and identifies the signs that will signal the coming of the Son of Man in glory. The Second Coming of the Lord is the theme.
A few weeks ago, we heard a Gospel passage with a similar message. In the end times, many unusual things will happen and people will be frightened, but the Son of Man will come with great power and glory to redeem his own. The second half of this week’s Gospel stresses the importance of being ready for Christ coming at all times.
Though Jesus predicts a time of destruction and fear, Jesus indicates that others will be frightened; Jesus' disciples are not to fear, but are to stand tall. Yet Jesus does not promise deliverance from anxiety or tribulations. He encourages his disciples to pray for strength. We find in our Christian faith the means by which we witness to God's unfailing love for us in all circumstances.
Jesus' predictions about the end times may sound terrible, but Luke tells us that people woke early to listen to Jesus' teaching in the Temple area. Those who heard Jesus found strength and consolation. Through prayer, we find strength and consolation in Jesus' words and in his continuing presence with us to endure all things and to witness to the action of God in our world.
The season of Advent includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. The key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice. It is a wonderful time to connect with the excitement and anticipation of Christmas with the true meaning of the holiday.
Are our hearts open to receiving him? Advent affords us the opportunity to prepare our hearts and lives for Christ’s coming today, at Christmas, and at the end of all time. This Advent, open your eyes, your ears, and your heart to the coming of Christ in ordinary and extraordinary ways.
Discussion Starters
Where will there be signs that Jesus is coming?
What will happen when Jesus comes?
What do we need to do in order to be ready for the coming of Jesus?
What do you and your family do to get ready to celebrate Christmas?
How can you get ready for the Second Coming of Jesus this season?
One way I have been inactive about my faith is . . .
One thing I can do to become more ready for Christ’s coming at Christmas is . . .
One thing I am looking forward to doing with my family this Advent is . . .
Let us pray.Come, Lord Jesus, be born once again in our hearts.In the name of Jesus our Lord we pray, Amen.
Sacramental News
Sacrament Levy
Please remember to pay your sacramental levy of $15.
If your child has received or will be receiving a Sacrament this year.
Reconciliation Liturgy
Our Confirmation Candidates received the Sacrament of Reconciliation at SFS on Thursday, 24th November. They presented themselves respectfully and reverently to prepare to receive Confirmation this Friday, 26th November.
We are very pleased with our children's preparation in spite of all the uncertainties of our current situation.
Please keep these children in your prayers as they receive the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. The children will be confirmed by Fr. Desmond Moloney at St. Kevin's Church at 5:30pm.
We would also take this opportunity to thank Fr. Des and Fr. Anil for their unconditional support with preparing our children.
Please keep our Grade 6 children in your prayers as they receive their Confirmation on Friday, 26th November.
God Bless
Rozeta Ambrose