Sunday, November 28
Scripture
Jer 33: 14-16
Ps 25: 4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
1 Thess 3:12-4:2
Lk 21: 25-28, 34-36
Reflection
Strengthen your hearts to be blameless in holiness.
1 Thess 3:13
Ah, Advent! That marvelous moment in the liturgical year when we are reminded of the source of our hope. The three readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent provide options to focus my journey through these four weeks. Jerimiah says that a tiny shoot is the promise that will restore the Davidic kingdom. Might I allow that shoot of justice to grow in me? Luke uses apocalyptic language to highlight with spectacular signs that “the Son of Man is coming…with power and glory…because our redemption is at hand.” What does redemption mean to me? Between these two readings Paul, in the earliest of his letters, encourages the Thessalonians to conduct themselves in a way that pleases God. Strengthen your heart, love one another. The call to holiness is a constant in these readings. For Paul the call is about unity, building up the community amid a society that has different values. Advent calls me to that kind of holiness.
Prayer
Loving God, this time of anticipation is a time for rejoicing. You come to rule our lives with peace. May we be faithful in building up communion among all your people and caring for all your creation. Make us wise, make us holy, make us one.
Personal Challenge
Be at the service of someone in need today.
Sister Marianne Race, CSJ
Brookfield, IL
