Today, we begin a new liturgical year; we are celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, in the Year of Our Lord, 2021/2022. And we seem to be beginning the new Advent season, like we finished Ordinary Time a couple of week ago, with a reflection on the Second Coming of Christ. Once again we hear that the end times will come with powerful signs and wonders that will scare the living daylights out of people experiencing it!

Jesus speaks to the people of His time, and to us in this present time, and those who may come after us: “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” We are told to be vigilant, not lazy. Now is the time for us to begin examining how well..or not; we are striving to live the Gospel life! How open are our ears and hearts to the prompting of the Holy Spirit!

We were committed at our Baptisms; we pledged at our Confirmations, to live the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We committed ourselves to loving our Lord God with all our heart and soul. And to love our neighbors, known and unknown; rich and poor; good or bad, as we love ourselves! This call for compassion, love and mercy. It calls on us to seek daily renewal of our heart and soul. This calls for constant reflecting on Scripture; constant prayer, both privately and in community. And joining together at the Lord’s Table, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, so that we can be strengthened, renewed and ready for when He comes!

• Jeremiah 33: 14-16
• Thessalonians 3: 12-4: 2
• Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

This was composed in thirty minutes; it an approach I tried once before, and I am giving it another go! 🤞