“Lord, make us turn to you;
let us see your face and we shall be saved.”
Psalm 80
Readings
Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37
Reflection
by Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, OSB
We are beginning this Sunday my most favorite liturgical season of the year! Yes, the season of Advent, the season of waiting in expectant quiet and yearning for the coming our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! The opening prayer for Sunday’s Eucharist captures the essence of the season. Listen to the first part of the prayer: “Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming,… and then it continues: “so that, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.”
This opening prayer captures the message of the three readings, in a simple and profound way. Take time to read these readings, plus the Responsorial Psalm, and reflect on their meaning for you, and where you are in your own spiritual journey to Christ, our Savior. Underline the sentences in the readings that came alive for you and called out to you to be ready to run forth to meet your Christ during these four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Return to them often during the week and in the weeks ahead before Christmas.
May you pray for the spiritual gifts that you need right now for your openhearted response to your Savior. May your heart and all hearts around the world be watchful and alert for the coming of God’s Son, Jesus Christ the Lord! May we see Christ’s face as He comes this Christmas and be filled with joy and peace beyond measure. During this beautiful season of longing for Christ, let us particularly pray for each other. We will be remembering you in our prayers. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God’s gaze is upon you, wherever you may be.” Ch. 4:48-49
Gospel Acclamation
“Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.” Psalm 85:8
Dear Sister Dorothy,
Thank you for your reflections. The scripture reading "Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:35-37) and from the Benedictine Rule “Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God’s gaze is upon you, wherever you may be.” (Ch. 4:48-49) has had special meaning to me today.
I received a phone call from a family member, this morning, stating that she had a nightmare where evil forces were trying to enter her…