Today's Advent Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Dear John,

On this first Sunday of Advent, the Church wants us to reflect on Jesus’ Second Coming, when He will come to judge the living and the dead. This is why we need to stay awake—for we do not know when the Lord will return.

Those who are faithful to the Lord will not suffer the second death. They will come out ultimately victorious. Therefore, we should not live in anxiety and fear of that day. It’s much like preparing for an exam—if we don’t prepare, we will dread the day that the test will arrive. However, if we are ready for the test, we have no reason to fear.

So how can we prepare?

The answer is to live in a state of grace. In fact, the only way for us to have peace is to live in a state of grace. God loves us too much to let us be content in sin and to risk us losing our soul and salvation.

And as we strive to grow in our love for the Lord, especially this Advent, we can take three steps forward in our spiritual journey. First, Love wants to know the Beloved better. Therefore, we should read the Bible and spiritual books every day. Second, Love wants to be with the Beloved. This means that we should spend time in prayer. Finally, Love wants to serve the Beloved better. We can do this by serving one another because, as Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm: 25:4-5, 8-10, 14

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

Gospel: St. Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Here are a few of EWTN’s faith-filled programs to encourage and inspire you this week:

ADVENT REFLECTIONS

Sundays, 4:00 PM

Saturdays, 3:00 AM

Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for the coming of Jesus. Celebrate each week of this joyous season by listening to the personal reflections of these insightful priests. (30 mins.)

THE CHURCH AND THE POOR: AN ADVENT JOURNEY WITH FR. RICHARD HO LUNG, MOP

Tuesdays, 6:30 AM

Fr. Richard Ho Lung and the Missionaries of the Poor lead EWTN viewers on a special Advent Journey with four weekly meditations to help prepare our hearts for Christmas. (30 mins.)

ADVENT AT EPHESUS

December 2, 11:30 AM

The Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus is home to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. Tour this devout community, including the studio where the Sisters recorded their Advent album. (30 mins.)

All times Eastern. Check ewtn.com/tv/schedule for up-to-date listings.

I pray that you will grow in the Love of God this Advent.
In Christ,

Father Joseph

EWTN

5817 Old Leeds Rd

Irondale AL 35210