LARRY BRODING

The Big Surprise

Video| 1st Reading | Psalm | 2nd Reading | Gospel

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

What recent turn of events has taken you by surprise? Why were you caught off guard?

Why are we surprised at the sudden turn of events? Why do earthquakes, violent storms, or other natural disasters shock us? Why does the unexpected capture our collective imagination?

One piece of common wisdom floating around Hollywood these days refers to the sudden demise of so-called “reality” TV. According to this wisdom, real TV killed “reality” TV. News of the day has greatly overshadowed programing about survival games, travel competitions, and the “real life” of young people who live together. How can such shows compete against war, plane crashes, floods, and other disasters?

What will happen next? These days are filled with the unexpected. Jesus emphasized the unknown nature of the future when he predicted the end times.

Children’s Reading | Catechism Link | Family Activity

SOURCE: WORD-SUNDAY © Larry Broding

VINCE CONTRERAS

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

1. In the 1st Reading from Isaiah, in what ways is access to the “mountain of the Lord’s house” different than what it was in times past?
2. In the 2nd Reading, what condition is St. Paul calling his readers from? What actions is he calling his readers to? How prepared are you to answer this call?
3. In what ways is the Flood, which Jesus references, like the Second Coming of Christ?
4. What does it mean, practically speaking, to be ready for Jesus’ return if we do not know when he will come?
5. How would you explain the end times and the Second Coming to a non-Catholic (see CCC 674-675)?
6. Over what in this world has God given you stewardship? How would God evaluate the job you are doing? Would he find you faithful?
7. How does the admonition of Jesus to be watchful apply to how you live your life How might your surroundings be distracting you? How do you need to prepare for the Lord’s coming— during this Advent season and beyond?

DON SCHWAGER

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

SOURCE: Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics

MICHAEL MARCHAL

You cannot Know the Day that Your Lord is Coming

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

Background:  In last Sunday’s gospel from Luke the good thief is told by Jesus that on that very day he would be with Jesus in Paradise. This week, as with every year on the First Sunday of Advent, we hear in the gospel part of an “eschatological discourse” on the “last times.” Yet in a way, every day is part of the last times since our choices and lifestyle either build Jesus’s kingdom/reign or they don’t—and that fact will one day be revealed to everybody. “It is time for us to rise from sleep!”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What darkness within us still resists being brought out into the light of Christ?
2. What darkness in our relationships keeps us from sharing the light of Christ?
3. What darkness in our church keeps us from revealing Christ’s light to the world in a convincing way?
4. The Judge is also the Good Shepherd. When you meet Jesus face to face, what would you like to share with him about yourself and your life?

SOURCE: TEAM RCIA

ANNE OSDIECK

The Fight Against Poverty..

Anne Osdieck

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

1. Advent is about God coming to us. How can you become more aware of the ways Christ comes to you? Did you find Christ today? Do you ask this of yourself every night?

2. Facing the fight against poverty is a way of “staying awake” and “being prepared,” according to Pope Francis, and as Jesus suggests in the Gospel? How ready are we for this fight?

We cannot live without facing challenges, without responding to challenges. Whoever does not face challenges, whoever does not take up challenges, is not living. Your willingness and your abilities, combined with the power of the Holy Spirit who abides in each of us from the day of Baptism, allow you to be more than mere spectators, they allow you to be protagonists in contemporary events.

Please do not watch life go by from the balcony! Mingle where the challenges are calling you to help carry life and development forward, in the struggle over human dignity, in the fight against poverty, in the battle for values and in the many battles we encounter each day.

Vespers with Atheneum Students
Saturday, 30 November 2013

MORE QUESTIONS

SOURCE: Sunday Website – Saint Louis University

MONIKA KORZEC

The Grace of Peace

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

“One will be taken and one will be left…”

It is clear that there will be a permanent and complete division when Jesus comes for the second time. The choices that people make will be fully respected. The choices of the faithful and those not respecting God will be fully acknowledged.

1. On which side do you think you will find yourself?
2. What can you tell about the choices that you make now? Are your decisions based on God’s laws or just any laws that appeal to you?
3. Are you more likely to follow the crowd or are you more likely to follow what God tells us to follow? (e.g. The 10 commandments).
4. Take a look at the news of this week: what kind of ideas, trends, and ideologies are currently promoted? Are they in line with what the Scripture says? What side are you on? Whom do you support?

MICRO RETREAT

SOURCE: CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT | Recent Retreats