Already we are bombarded with urgent reminders to get ready for Christmas. But we gather here today to begin a different kind of preparation. Over the next four weeks (and it’s a full four weeks this Advent), we will we recall how Jesus comes to us. He has come as an infant lying in a manger. One day he will come like a thief in the night, as our judge at the end of time. But today and every day he comes to us as Emmanuel, “God with us.” Amid all the Christmas planning and holiday shopping, let us welcome God’s most wonderful gift into our world, our homes, and our hearts.
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
“Let us then throw off the works of darkness,” Saint Paul exhorts us today. It is time to prepare for the coming of the light. We don’t want to be caught unaware when the Lord comes. Though we naturally look forward to Christmas Day, today’s readings remind us that Jesus will also come to judge us at the end of time. Unlike Christmas Day, which always falls on December 25, the end of the world will come at a time we cannot know. Therefore, let us live in the light of Christ, “the armor of light” as Paul calls it, ever prepared for his coming.
Reflections
Even this year, when Advent begins as early as it possibly can, it still doesn't arrive before the deluge of Christnas music, decorations, and advertisements already inumdates us--not to mention the biggest shopping day of the year this past Friday. But today's Gospel provides us with a bracing counterpoint to this premature merriment. There'll be no parties in aticipation of the apocalypes! Paul and Isaiah show us a different way to prepare. Let us "put on the armor of light" (Romans13:12) and "walk in [the LORD'S] paths" (Isaiah 2:3). Paul's metaphor of armor implies that hardships await, but light tells us that what we do should bedone openly, enlightening others by our example. As Pual goes on to say, we should "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (13:14), as he did, even in his own continual hardships. This is how we truly walk in the Lord's paths.
Pondering the Second Coming, no matter how unlikely it seems at any given time, serves to focus our minds on what is truly important. What if you knew you had only a year to live? Or a month? Or a day? If Judgment Day was on the horizon, how would you spend what little time you had remaining? Just asking that question is likely to change your path.
Implements of death become implements of life in Isaiah’s vision. The swords and spears used to fight others become tools used to produce food to feed others. Rejecting weapons of war prepares us for the coming of the Prince of Peace by promoting peace amid human conflict.
Question of the Week
How can I walk in the Lord’s paths in my own community and with my own family?
-from Pastoral Patterns
readings of the mass
LISTEN HEREto the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, November 27, 2022
SELECT HEREfor the Readings of Sunday, November 27, 2022
Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS
