RENews

The Season of Advent

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. Advent is a time of reflection and promise. It opens up a new cycle of the Liturgical Year and turns our minds to prepare for the coming of the Lord, not only the birth of Christ but his coming at the end of all time. This season, we focus on the prophets who offer us a vision of the future and call us to look at our lives and recognise our need for God. 

John the Baptist challenges us, pointing to the anointed one and his promise of a kingdom of justice and peace. In the final week, Mary, the pregnant mother, is presented as the model of discipleship.  

This time of preparation is like no other; its tone is one of the joyful expectations that springs from our desire to be ready to meet Christ when he comes. Advent is a time of hope,  joy, and promise (through love). 

Preparing the Way of the Lord 

Over the next four weeks leading to Christmas Day, we listen to the word of the Lord through scripture. In Year A, we listen to the message from Matthew's gospel. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus' coming is about needing to stay awake and ready. And that the eternal kingdom is a time where peace and justice reign. It holds the promise of a new age that has dawned but is yet to be fulfilled.

GOSPEL READINGS FOR EACH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

1st Sunday - 27th November 2022

Mt 24:37-44 

The Lord is coming when we least expect.

2nd Sunday - 4th December 2022

Mt 3:1-12 

John the Baptist begins to preach in the desert. 

3rd Sunday - 11th December 2022

Mt 11:2-11 

John asks, ‘Are you the one who is to come?’ 

4th Sunday - 18th December 2022

Mt 1:23 

A virgin will give birth to a son; his name will be Emmanuel: God is with us. 

SCHOOL ADVENT PROGRAM OVERALL THEME FOCUS

FINAL MESSAGE TO GOD FROM A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE