First Sunday of Advent-A The Church celebrates her new year with the first Sunday of Advent. The liturgical season of Advent lasts roughly four weeks, and even for faithful Christians, it can be a difficult time to engage with its message fully. The season of Advent demands that we consider two main themes. For one, … Continue reading The Time to Wake from Our Sleep
Tag: Advent
The Long Chain of Hope
First Sunday of Advent-C Now that Thanksgiving is over, many people's thoughts have turned to preparing for Christmas. Houses are being decorated both inside and out, often reflecting traditions of a family’s past. With all the tasks needed before Christmas, where should we be spiritually on the First Week of Advent? In our fast-paced world, … Continue reading The Long Chain of Hope
Waiting for a Better Life
Third Sunday of Advent-B Preachers and homilists are charged with the heavy burden of proclaiming the Word of God on the Third Sunday of Advent primarily because the minds and hearts of the faithful are no longer interested in a message of waiting. In preparing for Christmas, waiting becomes a hindrance, which cannot be tolerated … Continue reading Waiting for a Better Life
Is Advent an Outdated Concept?
In all honesty, the season of Advent rarely takes center stage in most Christian's lives. The idea of waiting for Jesus to come at Christmas or the end of the world is a tough sell. The average person who has a family or job or is in school experiences the month of December as one … Continue reading Is Advent an Outdated Concept?
God always Comes When Least Expected
First Sunday of Advent-B The beginning of a new liturgical year is an excellent time to reflect on the ebb and flow of time and how the Church marks the changing year. Sections of the months are divided into seasons. For instance, we are entering the Advent Season, four weeks before Christmas, which brings joy … Continue reading God always Comes When Least Expected
Should We Look for Another?
Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” The greatest man born of a woman, even questioned whether his cousin, was the long-awaited Messiah. While imprisoned by Herod, John the Baptist hearing the works of Christ sent his disciples to ask Jesus one question: “Are you the … Continue reading Should We Look for Another?
Advent and the Second Coming
The annual liturgical season of Advent is upon us as we prepare for the Feast of Christmas. It is a bit odd for some, that the readings and the mood of the first Sunday are directed to the second coming of Jesus. A time when he will come in all his glory and judge the … Continue reading Advent and the Second Coming