November 27, 2011
1st Sunday of Advent
Advent means "coming." We recall the humble coming of Jesus at Bethlehem. We anticipate his coming at the end time in glory. We become more conscious of his hidden presence, his coming now -- at Eucharist, in his living Word, in the Sacraments, disguised in the poor, in our neighbor. In the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus exhorts us, his disciples and servants, to keep watch for his return and to use the gifts/talents he has entrusted to us. We are not idle in our watching and waiting. We assume the disposition of contemplation and of active engagement in the world. One must live with awareness and purpose. In our first reading, Isaiah encourages the dispirited Jewish returnees/refugees to continue the difficult task of rebuilding the city and the temple. The prophet uses the image of God as potter and we as the clay. During the season of Advent we pray that God will transform us and, in humility, empower us to transform the world. In the face of this challenge, we must always be a people of hope.
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Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
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3rd Sunday of Advent
