The Arrival

Greetings on this the First Sunday of Advent
Readings: Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; 1 Thes 3:12—4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Notes: The First Sunday of Advent is special indeed.

Rite of Christian Initiation – Step Two
It is especially so when we have catechumens coming forward to learn the ways of Jesus and enter into his communion. At this Mass, and after the Homily, we will ask of them a pledge and give them special blessings.

Rite of Acceptance

Almighty God, source of all creation, you have made us in your image.

Welcome with love those who come before you today.

They have listened among us the word of Christ; by its power renew them and by your grace refashion them,

so that in time they may assume the full likeness of Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

On the Easter Vigil (April 16th, 2022), they will receive three Initiation Sacraments:

• Baptized in the Lord.
• Confirmed in the Spirit.
• and given to eat the Bread of Life, the Holy Eucharist.

Fulfilling the Disciple Commission
Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (MT 28:18-20).

In the Power of the Name of Jesus
“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn 17:20-21).

First reading
Cycle C Sunday Advent First readings:

• Jeremiah – today.
• Baruch (Jeremiah)- Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on forever the splendor of glory from God.
• Zephaniah – Shout for joy, daughter Zion! sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem!
• Micah – But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathaha least among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.

Jeremiah
The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.

The Lord fulfill his promises.

In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot ;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.

Raise up a just shoot is to bring about the Incarnation of Jesus, who is just and right in all his ways. We study the life of Jesus, his teachings, his miracles, his prayer life, and his ways of dealing with adversity.

In those days Judah shall be safe
and Jerusalem shall dwell secure;
this is what they shall call her:
“The LORD our justice.”

The final security and safety is in the Lord who has come.
He is not accepted by all and thus the continued problems.
But he is the promise and he will complete his work.

Responsorial Psalm
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
and for you I wait all the day.

I want to be like you!

Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
and teaches the humble his way.

I know I am not like you before and sometimes even now but Lord guide me, and teach me your ways!

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.

Here we are reminded the difficult part. Paths of kindness and constany, obedience and friendship.

Second reading
I love this letter!

The earliest of documents in the New Testament.
A letter encouraging the new believers.
Worthwhile instruction for believers and those who on the path of seeking the Lord.

Let the Lord increase you in love.
Let the Lord strengthen your hearts.
So you may be blameless at his coming.

Earnestly we ask you, heartfelt we exhort you:

Conduct yourself to please God.
For you know the instructions we have given or giving you.

• Prayer
• Worship
• Study
• Commandments
• Precepts
• Practices (Fasting, Alms giving)

Alleluia Verse
Show us, Lord, your love;
and grant us your salvation.

Gospel Portion
Even today People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Is that not so?
Isn’t there plenty of horrible things happening here and there and everywhere?

YET

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption 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.

Don’t get trapped in material self-interest and worldly distraction. Don’t give up! Give up!

• Be vigilant.
• Pray.
• Act justly.
• Stand.

For he comes, the Son of Man.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry