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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
October 13, 2024
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Advent

The twofold character of Advent calls us to prepare for the remembering of the Word made Flesh at Christmas, and directs us to wait with alertness for Jesus’ second coming.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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First Sunday of Advent

Reading I : Isaiah 2:1-5

Let us walk in the light of the Lord!

  • The prophet Isaiah describes a glorious vision of the arrival of God’s Kingdom.
  • The event that Isaiah describes, the gathering of people into God’s Kingdom and the beating of swords into plowshares, refers to a future time of peace and prosperity, similar to the time of David.
  • This reading urges the people to join in the march toward peace and prosperity by trusting in God!

Reading II : Romans 13:11-14

It is now the hour to awake from your sleep.

  • With the death and Resurrection of Christ, Paul presents the Christian community with the critical challenge of the present moment.
  • Paul lists six sins to be avoided in preparation for the end time, or indeed for any time in the life of the Christian.
  • Paul urges each person to seek the honorable path and imitate the life of Jesus.

Gospel : Matthew 24:37-44

You must be prepared.

  • This Gospel reading from Matthew focuses on the second coming of Christ.
  • The images of the two men in the field and the two women grinding meal emphasize the suddenness of Christ’s coming and the separation that it will bring.
  • The lesson is: be constantly watchful.