Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent, by S. Patty Campbell, OSF

Reflection for December 2, 2012
First Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm: 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Reflection

The days are coming…there will be signs…two phrases to ponder as we begin our move into a new Church year.  Advent always seems to become a time of pondering something that happened over 2000 years ago…the birth of Jesus.  And yet the Scripture readings need to be pondered in our time, our lives.  As we reflect on the life of Jesus, what would he say to us today about the days ahead of each of us?  And will we recognize the signs God sends us today to ponder and apply?  Advent is four weeks of walking with Mary and Joseph toward the human birth of God’s son.  And as we walk, what would Mary and Joseph whisper into our hearts to help us become more aware, more vigilant or what needs to be birthed in us each year to draw us closer to who we are being called to be in today’s world.  Hopefully, we will set our heart on the true way…the way of Jesus.

Prayer

O God, let us follow the way of Jesus, the way of love.  There is no other way.  Help us, God, to discover the truth more deeply as we enter into this new Church year.  With your help, as we become more deeply wrapped in your love, help us be able to go forth to spread it to others we meet.  We make our prayer in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Patty Campbell, OSF

Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg

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