First Sunday of Advent
Reading I: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
We start once again a new liturgical year, the season of Advent, remembering the great events of our history of salvation. The four weeks of preparation for Christmas is an invitation for us to live by hope because believers live with a promise. In remembering, it enables us to rise to a higher participation in the life of Jesus. There is a goal towards which we grow, there is a promise that is gradually unfolding. Hopefully our faith will grow towards maturity over the years.
The advent wreath is a symbol of that hope. It is made of the twigs of an evergreen tree to express our faith in life. When we light a candle every Sunday of Advent, we reflect on Jesus who is the light of the world. The word of God brings hope. He has made a promise to his people and keeps his promise alive throughout history. Jesus is a reality in our life. He will be our light on the road, and we will be a sign of hope for the people around us.
Today’s gospel invites us to pray and to be vigilant lest this promise be forgotten. Advent awakens us to keep looking at the future because there is reason for hope
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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