SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2020
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: GOSPEL: ST MARK 13:33-37 ‘STAY AWAKE’

This First Sunday of Advent is the first day of the new liturgical year – Year B –

When we will listen, most Sundays, to the Gospel of St Mark. Advent gets its name from the Latin word adventus, meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’.
In December, our immediate thoughts might be on Christmas and, of course, it is Christmas, the celebration and the wonder of the birth of Jesus our Saviour, that we are asked to prepare for in our hearts and minds. That is the journey we are on during this Advent season.
The preparation of which the Gospel speaks today, however, is for the coming of the Lord at the end of time, when He will take all creation to Himself. Jesus tells us to ‘Stay Awake’ – to be ready! In effect, we are called to live our daily lives to the best of our ability, guided by Holy Scripture and prayer, and nourished by the Eucharist, so that when the time comes we will, one day, receive a place in God’s heavenly kingdom.
We pray today that we will use well the opportunities that the prayerful Season of Advent provides for spiritual growth so that, as we journey together in hope, we will be a watchful people, well prepared for the Christmas celebrations.