Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 1st2024.

Dear friends, welcome to the celebration of the first Sunday of Advent that opens to us the beginning of the liturgical year cycle C. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord.

The Avent Wreath with the four candles and banners are visible signs to remind us of the Season of patient waiting for the coming of the Messiah. It calls upon us to prayer and meditation and reflection. Let us make use of the available resources to reap heavily from this season.

The Readings of this Sunday focus on the Second coming of Jesus in his glory. His first coming among us was the Incarnation- took our flesh and human nature and lived among us. At Christmas we celebrate his first coming. The key message of Advent time is to be watchful as we wait for his second coming.

In the Gospel Reading Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36 Jesus while at the Temple area, speaks to his disciples and listeners on the destruction of the Temple. The Temple was a majestic building and emulated by the Jews. So, people got interested and wanted to know more about when and the signs that will precede the destruction. Jesus had mentioned of the persecutions and tribulations of his disciples. The first Christians endured a lot of suffering and death and did not despair.

Let us equally through prayer endure and find strength and hope in Jesus our Savior from the slavery of sin. It is so good and nice to take effort to decorate and light our home. Let us take the same effort to light our hearts as we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Shepherd of the Hills: Tuesday, December 10th 2024 from 3.00 pm- 5.00 pm

Holy Infant: Friday, December 20th 2024 from 3.00 pm- 4.00 pm. ,