By Fr. Andrew Kelly
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT – DEC. 1, 2013
As all believers know and believe, Advent is simply a way of life of waiting and watching for the coming of Jesus Christ. Advent is just part and parcel of everyday living.
Advent is all about intentionality. Whatever activity believers are doing, running the gamut from giving birth to children to graciously preparing to die, and all that occurs in between, everything is dedicated to living and doing the will and word of Jesus Christ as promised on the day of baptism.
Thus the meaning of Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 24:37-44). Everyone is doing the normal activity of human beings. But the people who get lost are those who forgot why they were created and why they were baptized in the first place.
Advent becomes significant when believers discover again the “why” of birth and death. Life is no longer routine; it is now always intentionally dedicated to the ways, words and deeds of Jesus.
If believers are surprised and caught off guard by the ordinary coming of Jesus Christ in everyday life, then believers are not paying attention. Advent is about the absolute coming and presence of Jesus Christ into every believer’s every breathing moment.
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
Scripture Readings for Dec.1-8
Sunday
Is 2:1-5
Rom 13:11-14
Mt 24:37-44
Monday
Is 4:2-6
Mt 8:5-11
Tuesday
Is 11:1-10
Lk 10:21-24
Wednesday
Is 25:6-10a
Mt 15:29-37
Thursday
Is 26:1-6
Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday
Is 29:17-24
Mt 9:27-31
Saturday
Is 30:19-21, 23-26
Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8
Sunday
Is 11:1-10
Rom 15:4-9
Mt 3:1-12
