Happy New Year Christians!
This marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year for the Christian Church. I like to take a moment to remind people too - IT'S NOT CHRISTMAS YET! The Christmas Season for Christians starts on Christmas Day and then lasts twelve days - until January 6th, Epiphany, though some celebrate all the way to Candlemas, which is February 2nd.
I thought today's Epistle reading from the Extraordinary Rite would be something good to meditate upon, so I present it for your reading too:
EPISTLE, Rom 13. 11-14
A reading from the Epistle of the blessed apostle Paul to the Romans. Brethren, knowing the time, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is past, and the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Back to my first thought... when someone wishes you a "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas," consider responding, "And a blessed Advent to you!"
In JMJ,
Scott<<<
I agree "200 %" And let's remind Advent is a time of fasting, not of "happy holiday delicacies".
ReplyDeleteAs I can't fast too much, having a fragile health, my spiritual director gave me the advise to eat healthy things that I don't like (because of the taste).
I feel this sometimes seems more difficult than not eating at all...
Love to Jesus finds a hundred ways to express this love.
Tony
Thank you for sharing, Tony. Much like Lent, Advent is a time of preparation - this season is in preparation of the coming of the Lord. Many of the readings for Advent deal with the SECOND COMING of Jesus Christ. As we meditate upon the FIRST COMING of the Messiah we are also reminded of His Second Coming.
ReplyDeleteMaranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
In JMJ,
Scott<<<
Dear Scott, I hear everywhere about this second coming. It may be so, but my spiritual director explained me not to give too much attention to "events going to happen in future or prophecies". It's God's will we can't see the future, and it should not influence our normal life with the duties of every day. Jesus taught us every day has enough with its own. We are always in the hands of Gods Holy Providence, Who is perfect.
ReplyDeleteAnd of couse, this second coming will ever happen. But Jesus is always with us in the H. Sacrament, and with H. Communion our heart is a living tabernacle. So Jesus, come, but He's already with us and in us ! Tony
Hi Tony,
ReplyDeleteThanks again, and my spiritual directors have always emphasized the philosophy of living as if the Second Coming is TODAY (are YOU prepared?) but plan as if it will not happen in your lifetime. In short, don't go selling everything and joining some cult which says "Jesus has come again" or have faith in a false prophet like Harold Camping - who falsely predicted "Judgment Day" several times now. Keep your job, support your family and most importantly - keep your faith. Don't be caught like the 5 foolish virgins without enough oil in your lamp! Be prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, it COULD be TONIGHT! It probably won't be, but the point is to always have enough oil on hand.
In JMJ,
Scott<<<