Advent Reflection: December 1

Written on: November 27, 2019

Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2019
Sr. Maureen Quigley, GNSH
 

1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Responsorial: Psalm 122
2nd Reading: Romans 13 11-14
Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

 

Salvation is nearer than when we came to believe. Let us walk from darkness into light.”

We live in intervals usually unmarked as we pass from one to the other. But they are intervals- not definite breaks- and we occasionally wander back and forth. Although its chronological date is not certain, Advent itself is definite, no matter where in our interval of life we are.  Advent is a time of waiting, a time of preparing, a time of silence and a time for praying as we actively move from darkness into light. Advent is also a happy time, like the time of waiting for Santa Claus when we were in the interval we call childhood.

We are moving into our endless being with Jesus who is eternal light. The readings for the first Sunday of Advent tell us to throw off our bad habits. I suggest we try to throw off our peccadilloes by paying forward with kindness to one another, by trying not to be critical, and who am I, who want to be good and liked, to judge others?

This first week is one of darkness and hope.  For each one of us the walk in the darkness will be unique. A good companion for all of us will be Mary. The FIAT is a Latin verb which is active in form but passive in meaning. May it also be done unto us according to his word!  Amidst all of us may there be a bonding of love, acceptance, fun, and respect.

“Let us throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. The night is advanced. The day is at hand. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 13: 11-14

Let’s journey together.

 

View printable version here


Prayer for lighting the Advent Candle: First Week
All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.

Xavier.edu  https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/advent-prayers


8 thoughts on “Advent Reflection: December 1

  1. Bill Herzog says:

    A very nice reflection St Marie Marguerite. We had our 50th reunion from SMA in July and we enjoyed talking about the old days. You were one of our teachers we talked about…fondly I would definitely say. David Kirby,Pam Moore, Honey Farrand, Kathy Planty, Patty Rapin, and Richard Robillard were among my good friends who were there. The Class of 68 had 44 students and 15 have passed away. Our years at SMA were memorable for sure. By the way I married Mary Shea from the Class of 69 and now live in Greenwich Ct. Retired, I now have a college consultant service that I totally enjoy.
    Thank you for your service Sister Maureen!

  2. Liz Curtin Newman says:

    Thank you Sister Maureen. A beautiful reflection on what Advent means to us.

  3. Ann Neale says:

    I second all the way above comments on your Advent reflection, Maureen. Thank you.

  4. Paul and Kathy Pohler says:

    Thank you for your insight into what Advent really means to us!

  5. Eileen White says:

    Lovely reflection, Maureen! Thank you. I loved your idea of getting rid of our ” peccadilloes by paying forward with kindness to one another, by trying not to be critical”. An important challenge!

  6. Julia C. Lanigan says:

    Your reflection is right on target for this week and for this Advent season, Maureen. Thank you!
    Julia

  7. greynun says:

    Thank you for sharing some of your words of wisdom, Maureen. There is much food for thought.
    May our journey from darkness to light, this Advent Season, propel us into a Season of Christmas(an interval)blessed with much joy, peace and hope!

  8. Kathleen Woody says:

    Maureen,

    This is a beautiful reflection. It will carry me through several prayer periods! Thank you for your inspiration.

    Kate

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please be aware that comments are held for moderation and may not post for up to 24 hours. We reserve the right to reject comments that are inappropriate on our website.

The Grey Nuns