4 / 70
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm PS 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44
Summary
"You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will
come.”
Reflection
As the season of Advent begins life becomes so busy. The calendar fills up, so many
events to attend, so many hours spent shopping, wrapping and cooking. Arrangements
with family, wondering if there will be enough time in the day to accomplish all that is
needed to be done.
Does this time of haste, stress and angst include time for prayer?
Is life so full that there is no time to breath and refresh? If there was only a moment to
pause, close ones eyes and see the many gifts that fill one’s life. We are call upon to do
just that, to prepare, mind, spirit and body.
In spirit, take a few moments to listen to the spirit, take a few deep breaths, close your
eyes and quiet your mind, a silent prayer, simple, thanking our Creator for all the won-
drous gifts, something as precious as the smile of a child, a glorious sunset or sunrise, the
warmth of a hug when you need it most, knowing these gifts are from God, especially for
you.
In mind, a willing to rise in the morning, knowing what a divine gift has been presented,
determined to have a positive day, when anger, doubt or rage tries to invade a positive
attitude, asking Jesus for help, to stay focused, diligent, stalwart, moving forward, not al-
lowing those feelings rob the joy that makes this day productive, seeing that our frame of
mind can add a sense of wonder and accomplishment to the day.
In body, breathing, moving, relaxation, all components of health and well being. Taking a
brief moment, relaxing shoulders, neck and arms, wiggling toes, drawing in a deep breath
and holding it for a few seconds, exhilarating, pushing the breath out as far as one can,
pausing and repeating, feeling the tension in the neck
release, one more breath and exhaling, perhaps let-
ting that moment of anger go, that hurtful thought or
action disappear, the stress of yesterday slip away,
knowing that His presence calms and inspires.
We are called upon to be prepared, seeing that God