CATHOLIC UPDATES

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Cycle B) First Reading: Isa 63:16b-17; 64:1. 3b-8 Psalm: 80. R. v. 4 Second Reading: 1Cor 1:3-9 Gospel: Mk 13: 33-37 Today is the First Sunday of Advent. And today we begin a New Year in the Church’s liturgical calendar. For Sunday readings, we are moving from Cycle A to Cycle B. While for weekday readings we move from Year I to Year II. The word “Advent” is from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” which is a translation of the Greek word ‘Parousia’. Advent is a season that we await the coming of Christ who comes to us in three ways: through his birth at Christmas, through the Word and Sacrament, and at his final coming.

SATURDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I) First Reading: Dan 7:15-27 Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 60b Gospel: Lk 21:34-36 As Jesus concludes the eschatological speech in the gospel of today, he calls us to be continuously vigilant. He said: “Take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life . . .” These words of Jesus is a call on the faithful to guard against becoming totally absorbed in daily life. It is a reminder to us that the material things of this world are like a trap which will continuously distract our attention from being vigilant as we await Christ’s coming.

FRIDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I) First Reading: Dan 7:2-14 Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 53b Gospel: Lk 21:29-33 Jesus used the fig tree to illustrate the presence of God’s kingdom. The appearance of its leaves is a sign that summer is near. This reveals that once the gospel values are lived out, then it is a sign that God’s kingdom is not just near, but present among us. Living out the gospel values built on love of God and neighbour is just a little sign of God’s kingdom on earth.

THURSDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I) ST ANDREW AP. (Feast) Red He was a brother to Peter and a disciple of John the Baptist. He was the first apostle called by Jesus (Jn 1:40). Upon his invitation, he left his net and everything and followed Jesus. His immediate response and commitment to Christ’s invitation leaves us an example. He preached the gospel in what is now modern Greece and Turkey. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross (saltire) at Patras. He preached the gospel from that cross as he hung on it for two days. First Reading: Rom 10:9-18 Psalm: 19 3. R. v. 5 Gospel: Mt 4:18-22

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I) First Reading: Dan 5:1-6. 13-14. 16-17. 23-28 Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 40b Gospel: Lk 21:12-19 In the gospel of today, Jesus pointed out the eschatological signs that would precede his final coming. He reminded his disciples that the sign that will mark their daily lives was the ‘sign of the cross’. They must therefore be prepared to testify to their faith even amidst trials and sufferings. They should not even be afraid when they face their enemies as some of them would be put to death. Jesus promised that those who endure to the end will gain their lives.

TUESDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I) First Reading: Dan 2:31-45 Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 35b Gospel: Lk 21:5-11 The Temple in Jerusalem was the centre of the Jewish religious life. The Jews believed that as long as it stood they were secured. The temple was adorned with marbles, bronze, and gold. It was the pride of the Jews.

MONDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I) First Reading: Dan 1:1-6. 8-20 Psalm: Dan 3. R. v.29b Gospel: Lk 21:1-4 As Jesus was teaching in the Women's Court of the Temple, he observed a poor widow putting two mites (lepta, the smallest coins in circulation) into the treasury box. The widow gave every penny she had to live on, and placed her hope and trust in God. The charity of this lowly woman stood in sharp contrast to the prideful religious leaders who loved to be honoured and respected for their generosity, yet failed to carry out the law that required them to care for God's poor (Lk 20:45-47). Jesus said that the woman's gift was worth more than the large offerings of those who gave from their surplus wealth.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is the crown of the liturgical year and this Holy Year of Mercy.  The Gospel in fact presents the kingship of Jesus as the culmination of his saving work, and it does so in a surprising way.  “The Christ of God, the Chosen One, the King” (Lk 23:35,37) appears without power or glory: he is on the cross, where he seems more to be conquered than conqueror.