Open with a prayer: God of history, present, past and future, be with us as we begin our Advent journey. Make us aware of your presence in one another and in all creation. Prepare us to celebrate your birth and to anticipate your coming at the end of time. Protect us from deeds of darkness and shed your light upon us. Help us to be spiritually awake to your comings in the events and encounters of daily life. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Sharing of life question: What do you like and dislike most about this season of the year?

Facilitator reads focus statement: This weekend we begin a new Liturgical Year with the Advent/Christmas Season. Four weeks of Advent prepares us to celebrate the First Coming of Jesus in Bethlehem. But it also urges us to be ready for his Second Coming and for his comings into our daily lives. During the Twelve Days of Christmas, we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to the Jewish and Gentile world.

In this week’s gospel and second reading, we notice a strong note of urgency concerning readiness for Christ’s Second Coming. In the First Reading, Isaiah offers a word of hope to his people who are living through a very difficult time.

If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it before or after you read the scripture readings.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah lived at a time when Israel was divided into two kingdoms -- both of which were being threatened by the powerful Assyrians. Even though the reading appears to be predicting future events, the prophet is seeking to instruct his people on how to be faithful to their covenant relationship with God at this time. In a time of darkness, the prophet offers his people words of hope. If they are faithful to God, they will have peace and other nations will come to Jerusalem to hear the truth that God has for them. And if they remain faithful to their covenant with God, their political enemies will seek peace and not war.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 122

In this song of joy and praise, the pilgrim proclaims the centrality of Jerusalem in Israel’s life.

SECOND READING: Romans 13:11-14

We hear in this reading the note of urgency that we hear from Jesus in the Gospel. Even though Paul is writing to a Christian community who has accepted Christ, their total conversion to his ways is far from complete. Hence, he urges then to "throw off deeds of darkness" - naming six such deeds and to put on "the armor of light". During this season of Advent, the church urges us to do the same. We too must look into our hearts and with the help of the Holy Spirit name those things in our lives that are preventing us from a whole hearted commitment to Jesus.

GOSPEL: MATTHEW 24:37-44

In this passage, Jesus is instructing his disciples on the importance of readiness for his Second Coming. To drive home his lesson, Jesus draws on what happened to people who did not prepare for the Great Flood. They knew it was coming; but they were so consumed with the stuff of everyday life that they failed to prepare. One exception was Noah who did prepare and was saved. Like Noah we, the followers of Jesus, should be prepared for his Second Coming. The reference to the "two men" and "two women" is one of contrast. Externally, they seem alike, but internally one is prepared for God’s coming and the other is not. The clear message in this Gospel is: "Be ready" and "be prepared". By selecting this reading for the first Sunday of Advent, the church is urging us to live our lives in readiness for the Lord’s coming at the end of time, whether that end time is the culminating event of our individual lives or of all of human history.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. Why do we and/or others seem to think that ‘weapons of war’ are the only way or main way to achieve peace?

3. In a season when most people are asleep to the spiritual aspect of this season, what attitudes or spiritual exercises can help you to "stay awake" to the Lord’s comings into the events and encounters of these sacred weeks" What can help you to be not so consumed with the stuff in your daily life?

4. For you, what concretely does fidelity to your covenant relationship with God mean or involve?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s reading. Suggestion: If there is conflict and unforgiveness in your life consider preparing for the Prince of Peace by placing your ‘sword into plowshare’ and by trying to create an atmosphere of peace.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the grace to know what attitudes and spiritual exercises can help you to stay awake to God’s presence and activity in your life? Pray for our leaders that they may find peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. ©