Reflection For The First Sunday of Advent, Cycle A

     Sunday begins the Advent Season. It’s a time of  preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time, and

  also to the anniversary of our Lord’s birth at Christmas. It’s a time for reflection and excitement, and each year the Catholic Church gives us an 

  incredible opportunity to encounter Christ in a powerful way, and to be changed by that encounter.

    Advent is also the season when we rekindle the power of Hope. We have Hope in Jesus Christ, through whom God has promised to save His people.

    Our readings for this First Sunday Of Advent are filled with the message of hope. In the first reading, Isaiah knew the power of the Assyrian empire
  and the threat they posed to Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. But his vision helped him to look ahead with hope to the peaceful times that lay ahead.
  In the second reading Saint Paul tells us that, “it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For your salvation is nearer.”

    And finally, in the Gospel the message of hope is shared when Jesus tells us that the Son of Man is coming, and we need to be prepared.  Someone

  once told me that if you are tired of Christmas by December 25 th , then you’re  doing Advent wrong. If your season is consumed with stress instead of    hope, then you are doing Advent wrong. When we celebrate advent properly, three things happen. First, we are infused with a renewed sense of Hope    in the things that our Lord can and will do for us. Second, despite the stresses of the season, we will spend time in preparing ourselves for the coming      of our Savior. And third, we will be changed, and we will be renewed in our love for Christ and others.

    If you’re ready to take the time this Advent season to strengthen your relationship with Christ, then Saints Peter and Paul Parish is ready to help.

  First, we have an Advent Reflection Booklet for you. It’s titled “A Season of Comfort and Hope.” It’s an excellent Advent resource, and we’ll be distributing

  the booklet on Sunday after each Mass. All it takes is about 10 minutes a day to read the reflection, to think about some of the  questions it raises, and

  then to close with the short, one sentence prayer that sends you off to start your day with peace, hope, and purpose.

    A second suggestion is to consider taking small steps to change yourself. Each day pray, “Lord, show me someone today with whom I may share your

  love, mercy, and forgiveness.” And then at the end of the day ask yourselves, “Where have I found Christ today?” The answer will be God’s Advent gift to

  you.

    A third suggestion is to consider participating in some of the special parish activities we have planned during Advent such as the Prayer Tree Lighting,

  the Holiday Music Concert, the Penance  Service, and our Parish Mission. Details for these events and more can be found in the Parish Bulletin.

    The Gospel urges us to stay awake, be vigilant, and be prepared. Take this Advent time to  prepare yourself for the coming of our Lord. Take the time   

  to strengthen your relationship with God by becoming more loving, more prayerful, more compassionate, more generous, and more faithful.   That first

  Christmas, Jesus came into the world for you and me. To bring meaning and deep  satisfaction into our lives, to fill us with lasting joy, and ultimately to

  bring salvation so that we can  experience eternal happiness with Him in heaven.

  I wish you and your family a grace-filled Advent season. And may you encounter Christ in a way that changes you forever.

  God bless you.

  Deacon Anthony Cioe