November 28, 2010 First Sunday of Advent

“Come; let us climb the Lord’s mountain.” (Isaiah 2:3)

At this moment, Mount Everest is surrounded by numerous base camps with hundreds of climbers in various stages of ascent. Many climbers are doing something that may strike us as unusual: They are ascending and descending different stages of the mountain. It’s their way of getting their bodies used to high altitudes, where the air is thinner. These climbers know that trying a direct ascent without training your body for life at the top would be folly.

As we begin Advent, Isaiah invites us to climb the mountain of the Lord. He invites us to begin a journey that will bring us closer to Jesus and closer to our hearts’ desires. But as in all mountain climbing, this is not a casual excursion. Preparation is key. Just as the Everest climbers take months to attain their goal, we have an entire season to get ready for Christmas. So let’s come up with a good strategy!

Just as a climber needs a healthy breakfast to provide energy for the day’s climb, so do we. That’s why it is a good idea to set aside time every morning to be nourished by prayer and Scripture. And just as experienced climbers travel light, so should we examine our consciences every day so that we can repent of our sins. That way, we can stay free from unnecessary burdens of the past.

Mountain climbers know the value of pacing themselves. They work stage by stage, not expecting to reach the summit overnight. Similarly, we should approach this Advent with a sense of patience. All it takes is a few steps each day to bring us closer to our goal, while an all-out sprint will leave us exhausted and frustrated.

Jesus knows how much we want to be with him, and he wants to help us every step along the way. So take some time today to draw up a plan this Advent. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you will make by Christmas!
“Lord, you know that I love you. Teach me how to make the most of this season of grace. Lord, I want to know you more!”





Reading 1 Isaiah 2:1-5

1 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come, the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; 3 many people’s shall come and say: “Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. 4 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Reading 2 Romans 13:11-14

11 Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; 12 the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Gospel Matthew 24:37-44

37 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. 39 They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”



Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44)

1. The whole Advent season is a time of expectant waiting for the “coming” (the meaning of the word advent) of the Savior. Jesus’ first coming has already occurred, of course, but we still await him to come into our hearts in a deeper way and we still await his second coming. What steps can you take to allow for a deeper encounter with Jesus at Mass, or during the week during Advent? In what way, if at all, do you look forward to his coming again? What are your thoughts about his second coming at the end of time?

2. The first reading says that one of the principle “instructions” we will receive from the Lord will be how to follow in his ways and “walk in his paths.” What can you do to allow the Lord to “instruct” you like this?

3. In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “throw off the works of darkness.” Advent is a good time to examine our life and prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How might you open more areas of your life to the “light” of Christ and allow him to heal those areas rather than keeping them closed?

4. The Gospel warns us to “stay awake” and speaks of the care and watchfulness, which should be ours as we await the coming of Jesus during this grace-filled season of Advent. What can you do to help prepare yourself and your family to receive Christ in a deeper way this Christmas?

5. The meditation ends with these words: “Jesus knows how much we want to be with him, and he wants to help us every step along the way. So take some time today to draw up a plan this Advent. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you will make by Christmas!” Are you willing to take time to draw up such a plan for yourself this Advent?

Enjoy the Good News and pass it on.
IHN tommyk