Veni Veni Emmanuel (Music aid)
Today’s reading from the Gospel
“But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.”
Reflection
Everyone would like to know when the end is coming. Even today so many theories about Mayan Calendars and prophecies are instigating panic among people. In Jesus’s time people were also looking for great signs announcing the coming of the Messiah. Yet he was there among them and they did not notice. He arrived in silence and mystery showed only to those who seemed less worthy. Simple people, like shepherds, were the only people who listened to the singing of the angels in that so a great night when Christ the King was born.
In this reading we are advised not to make the same mistake. Let us prepare ourselves for the second coming of Jesus so that when he arrives he may find us prepared by our purity of heart and gentle souls. Let this time of advent be a time where we can do good among the people we love and also open our arms for those whom we quarreled with.