Preparing for His Return

1st Sunday of Advent

This Sunday, the second reading will be from 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2. But I strongly suggest reading the other readings as well.

Like many of the readings for Advent will, the first reading looks forward to the birth of the messiah, and the gospel looks forward to his return.

We know beyond any shadow of doubt that Jesus is coming back. We know this because he told us that he was coming back, and his word is trustworthy.

In light of this, what should we do to prepare our hearts?

Paul says that we should conduct ourselves to please God - as much as we do so now, we need to do so even more. He says we are to follow the instructions given to us. This means that we can know what actions will be pleasing by reading the bible and the understanding thereof handed down in Sacred Tradition.

To go along with this, Paul acknowledges that we cannot hope to do this alone, and so he prays that God will increase the love in our hearts for each other, and for all, so that hearts will be strong, so as to be blameless in holiness before God when Jesus comes.

Indeed, Love is not for the faint of heart - it is very, very difficult. If we love as well and completely as possible, by the grace of God, I do not think it is possible that we will fail to be ready to meet him when he comes.



Let’s Pray:

Lord Jesus,

Please help us to be ready to meet you when you come. Let it be that our hearts are empty of any selfishness and full of love for others. Let it be that we are loving our neighbors as fully and completely as you would have us love them, and showing them - not our imperfect love - but yours.

Amen

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