FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT NOVEMBER 27, 2022

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mt 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

REFLECTION

be prepared

In the 1908 handbook of the Boy Scouts, Robert Baden-Powell coined this motto: "Be Prepared".

Since their beginning, the Scouts were trained and prepared to become productive citizens, strong leaders and to bring joy to other people. Each scout was to be ready in mind and body and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges awaited him.

Today is the first day of Advent. Thanksgiving is behind us with all the eating, drinking and the distractions that came our way. In today's readings we read about being prepared. Our God will become man and enter into our existence here on earth.

We know when Christmas is celebrated. But the Hebrew people and the prophets of the Old Testament waited in darkness, straining their eyes and plodding their course til they saw the lights of that perfect day of the birth of Our Lord in Bethlehem. We are to look forward in prepared anticipation for the day when we have our perfect communion with God.

And it is in this attitude of expectation living out the four virtues of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace that we are preparing to be productive citizens of Heaven, leading ourselves and others to God and with rejoicing "go to the house of the Lord".

We are to wake from sleep, watch for detours, dangerous situations, cast out all doubts, bad habits and sins and wait in expectation for the guest of our hearts, God.

For this Advent week, ponder what will keep us away from Him. Attend FACE ZBS this Wednesday so that the light of Jesus can be seen more clearly and we can overcome all darkness.

Attend our Advent Retreat December 2-4, 2022 (see details in our website) to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Check out our website for more details on FACE ZBS and the Advent Retreat. papamio.org

Be Prepared