Friends, many years ago, in the context of a high school religion class, a very wise Benedictine nun gave me a template for understanding Advent that I’ve never forgotten. It is simply that Advent calls to mind three “comings” of Christ: the first in history, the second now, and the third at the end of time. Meditating upon each of these is a helpful preparation for the holy season upon which we are embarking.
Mass Readings
Reading 1 – Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm – Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14
Reading 2 – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Gospel – Luke 21:25-28,34-36
Artwork: Eastman Johnson, The Lord is My Shepherd, 1863.