First Sunday of Advent
Also Read: Mass Readings for 01 December 2024 Homily for 01 December 2024 – Sunday
First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16
In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” (15-16)
At the beginning of Advent we are reminded about our salvation history, through Jesus Christ the son of David! Christ came to earth and restored our life in Him! We praise God and know today that the branch that sprang up was Jesus Christ of Nazareth! We have been blessed to be grafted into his family! Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. (8-9)
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. (14)
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Second Reading: First Thessalonians 3: 12 – 4: 2
And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (13)
Our Lord Jesus Christ strengthens us in our hearts every time we turn to him; -this miracle is especially experienced during the Holy Eucharistic celebration! Let us strive to receive the Holy Communion not only on Sundays but during the weekdays too! The Eucharistic meal is nourishment for our hungry souls! We know when we come to the Lord’s Supper in a state of grace; we are blessed in boundless ways not describable in words!
Let us thank the Lord for the sacraments – outward, physical signs of the grace that is poured out to us internally!
Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8
Alleluia! Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. (8) Alleluia, Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (34-36)
Dissipation is the over-indulgence of sensual pleasures, according to a dictionary. The things we assume will relieve the stress in our lives, are the very things that take us away from God. The moment we rely on the goodness of God’s plan in our lives, we will receive peace in our hearts naturally. We are built to be anchored on the rock of our salvation Jesus Christ. Therefore, when we give in to our sensual desires and keep worrying about the future; we cast away from the joy of the Lord. St Peter beautifully reminds us: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you!” (1Pet 5:7)
This new preparation time has been given to us today so that we prepare our hearts to receive the Lord! May this advent season bless us with the light and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that receiving his light and joy we may disperse it to those around us, In Jesus’ name, Amen!
