First Sunday of Advent

The readings for the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, focus on the "End Times" and the "Second Coming of the Lord." The Gospel reading is an excerpt from the apocalyptic discourse of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. The purple candle we light today during Mass is traditionally called the "Prophet's" candle, symbolizing Hope. It is the remembrance of the hope that people had in the promises foretold by the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures of the coming of the Messiah, which was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.

Daily Readings for Today
Isaiah 2:1–5; Ps 122:1–2, 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9; Romans 13:1–14; Matthew 24:37–44

Commentary on the Daily Readings from Living Space

Reflect on the following excerpt from today's Gospel reading:

For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 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. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

God's Spirit already dwells within you and connects you with God. How do you prepare yourself to be consciously aware of this presence?

For more information and resources for Advent, please view the page "Advent and Christmas Resources 2022," providing links to a variety of websites, articles, videos, music, and other resources to help you better understand and prepare for Advent and Christmas.