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Sunday Scripture Study

First Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

December 2, 2012

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Opening Prayer

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm: 25:4-5,8-10,14

Second Reading: 1 Thess 3:12—4:2

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

This Sunday begins the Liturgical Season of Advent. It marks the beginning of the Church calendar, and begins a new cycle of the Scripture readings we hear at Mass. Advent is the season where the Church is in preparation for the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah, both at his first coming at Christmas, and toward his Second Coming at the end of time.

Note: This Sunday’s gospel is part of parallel account from the gospel of two weeks ago (Mark 13). Verses 29-33, not included in today’s reading, is the parable of the fig tree we heard then.

Jesus is in the middle of his “Olivet Discourse” (Luke 21:5-38), answering the two questions of the disciples on when the Temple will be destroyed and what the signs would be of his Second Coming (Mark 13:1-4).

While in this discourse, Jesus combines the prophecies of the destruction of Jerusalem with those of his Second Coming, this reading is primarily understood as being concerned with being prepared for Jesus’ coming at the end of time.

The point Jesus wants us to remember is not so much the signs themselves but what our reaction should be (verse 28) and what we should do until then (verses 34, 36).

QUESTIONS:

In the 1^st Reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we hear about God’s promise of redemption for his people. What does it mean to be “redeemed”? Where have you experienced God’s redemption in your own life, or seen God’s redemption in the lives of others? What is it about God’s character that allows you to trust in “a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11)?

When Paul talks about love in verses 12 and 13 of the 2^nd Reading, about what kind of love is he speaking? How does this kind of love function? Why can only God make this love increase and overflow? How has the Lord caused love to increase in your own life?

In verses 25-28 of the Gospel Reading, which event (the coming of the end or Jerusalem’s destruction) is primarily in view? What do the two events have in common?

What is significant about the way the Son of man will come (verse 27. See Daniel 7:13-14)? What should be the attitude of believers when they see the Son of man coming (verse 28)?

How could the promises of verses 32-33 have been a comfort to the disciples? A discomfort? What impact do they have on you?

How does the present cultural climate encourage your heart to become sleepy (verse 34)? What is Jesus calling on you to do about that?

In the midst of this heavy news, how does Jesus comfort his followers (verses 34-36)? What will you do this week to become better at watching and praying?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 672, 2612, 2725, 2742-2745

There are three distinct comings of the Lord of which I know: His coming to men, His coming into men, and His coming against men. –St. Bernard

Shopping for a Great Advent

Pastor’s Column

1^st Sunday of Advent

December 2, 2012

“Be aware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap….Be vigilant at all times and pray that you will have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent

and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:35-36

Our lives on earth are brief, even for those of us who live a long time. God gives each soul a precious window of life in which to grow in faith and good works by the choices we make in life. The beginning of Advent is a wonderful opportunity to stop for a moment and ask God to show us how our lives look in the light of eternity. To take up this Sunday’s gospel quoted above, when the day comes and I must stand before the Son of Man on the first day of my eternity, will I stand before him with confidence? What does this mean?

These four weeks prior to Christmas can be extremely busy ones. Rather than being a good preparation for Christmas, God can be crowded out by all that we have to do! Others may find it a particularly lonely time. Still others will find themselves overindulging in food and drink and – dare I say it – shopping! But what does Christ want from us? What is my life really about? What is the best personal way to prepare for Christmas and my own eternity with the Lord (which is closer than we think)?

First, do I really know my strength and weaknesses, my virtues and sins? Often, they are hiding in plain sight – everyone knows us better than we know ourselves! Have I examined my life? Have I made a good confession? Going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the best spiritual investments you can make for Advent.

Second, is my life out of balance somehow? Is there something, good in itself, that I may indulge in too much? Can I give up some time on my tablet, computer, phone or TV and offer this to God? Try putting your internet time on a timer, and promise yourself to stop when the allotted time is up. Otherwise the hours can go by, and we haven’t even begun to pray!

Third, do I make time for prayer and scripture? Prayer is when I talk to God; Scripture is when he talks to me. If the Lord and you are not conversing regularly, your relationship is beginning to be estranged.

Fourth, what do I do for others? How kind am I? Do I really listen when people speak to me? Am I committed to being a force for peace and goodness in the lives of others? Acquiring possessions like these will truly give us confidence before God.

Father Gary