November 29, 2015
Gospel: Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said to his
disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on
earth nations (1)
will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People
will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the
powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man (2)
coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to
happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption (3) is at hand.
“Beware 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. For that day will
assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and
pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and
to stand before the Son of Man.”
(http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112915.cfm)
The difficult words
(1) Jesus uses the word nations to speak of all the world’s
people.
(2) The Son of Man is Jesus Christ.
(3) Redemption means to be saved from sin.
This week’s spotlight
Advent
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. "Advent" comes
from a Latin word that means "arrival." During this season, we get
ready to celebrate Jesus' arrival. The readings describe how the Hebrew people
waited for the arrival of God's promised Messiah.They also remind us of Jesus’
promise to come again at the end of time. Advent is a joyful time to repent of
our sins, to pray with renewed hope, and to open our hearts to others. The
readings of the Mass also invite us to await the return of the Lord in glory.
Candles
During Mass, candles burn on the altar. They help
create a beautiful atmosphere of celebration and remind us that Mass is the
feast of the resurrection of Christ. During Advent, you may also see a wreath
with four candles which are progressively lit as the Sundays go by. The first
candle represents God's forgiveness to Adam and Eve; the second reminds us of the patriarchs, the
people in the old times who believed In God's promise to send a savior; the
third candle expresses the joy of King David in the covenant made between God
and his people. The last candle represents the teachings of the prophets, God's
speakers who announce peace and justice to the human family.
Reflection
Soon it will be Christmas!
Advent begins this Sunday. It will last for four weeks
and is a time for us to prepare for the birth of baby Jesus. As we look around,
it seems as if everyone is getting ready for Christmas. Shops and streets are
all decked out. Homes and schools are twinkling with Christmas lights. But how
many people really understand Christmas? How many shoppers and decorators
really know Jesus? The true meaning of Christmas is not about decorating trees
or opening presents, as fun as those things might be. Christmas is a
celebration of the birth of Jesus, God’s Son who became human in order to save
us from sin and show God’s love for us. Advent is our special time to prepare
our hearts for this joy. The Gospel today tells us to “be vigilant at all times
and pray.”
These words teach us that Christmas is not only a
celebration of Jesus’ birthday, but a reminder that Jesus will one day come again
in glory. Just as he once came into the world as a baby, he will come again to
bring us eternal joy.
Discussion questions
1. What does “advent” mean?
2. What is the meaning of Advent season?
3. How long will Advent season last?
4. What do the candles represent?
5. What should we do to prepare for God’s coming?
Praying after Communion
After
receiving Holy Communion,
you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in
communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. Thank
you for sending Jesus as our Messiah. May this communion in his body and blood
prepare us for Christmas, and for his return in glory.
Puzzle
Source: http://www.usccb.org - Magnifikid - www.sermons4kids.com –