First Sunday of Advent 2020
GOSPEL
Mark 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!’If he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep
REFLECTION
Lord, let us see your face and we shall be saved.
The word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus meaning “coming or arrival”. It can also mean “new birth or new beginning”, hence its use for this time given to us to prepare for Jesus’ birth at Christmas.
Ah, another Christmas! What immediately comes to mind? Be honest. Do we think of God’s love for each of us? A divine love so perfect that he sent his only Son to save us; a Son who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, is truly God-made-Flesh? Do we think of how we will spiritually and sacramentally prepare to welcome the Creator God who humbled himself to become one of us in the form of a creature, a baby, before whom we adore on bended knee? Or, are our first thoughts about the Christmas tree, the presents to be bought and wrapped, the cards to be written and sent, the food to be prepared, beating the last minute traffic rush? “Oh yes, and where will I most conveniently fit in Christmas Mass this year?” Well, I think we can all relate to this, can’t we?
But in doing all these things, which really are important and need to be attended to, let’s not forget the very reason why we do them: we are celebrating the new birth, the new beginning of Jesus, our Lord and our salvation. So, while still doing all these other things over the next four weeks, please also take the time to stop, to remember, and to pray:
Jesus, Lord, Son of God, I adore you! Jesus, son of Mary, I adore you! Jesus, God made Flesh, I adore you! Jesus, Jesus, only Saviour of the world, I adore you! Jesus, still present with us in the Blessed Sacrament, I adore you! Jesus, my Lord, my Redeemer, my Love, my Friend, I adore you and I thank you! Lord, let me see your face and I shall be saved! Amen!
Fr CHRISTOPHER G SARKIS
‘Adore’ Advent Reflections
I am really hoping that I am participate in the Advent Journey this year and reflect each day on the gift we were given and are given. Thank you for making this available.