Tag Archives: Expectation

November 21, 2022

Study, Pray, Serve: 1st Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by George Becker on Pexels.com

Here are some of the themes that surface in the readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Isaiah 2:1-5

  • The mountain of the Lord shall be the highest mountain, and people shall come toward it.
  • On this mountain will be peace among the nations.

Psalm – 122: 1-9

  • “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
  • We rejoice and pray that Jerusalem is a city of peace and prosperity.

2nd Reading – Romans 13:11-14

  • The hour is at hand to awake from sleep; salvation is at hand.
  • We put on the Lord Jesus Christ, throwing off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light.

Gospel – Matthew 24:37-44

  • Referring to the time of Noah, Jesus urges the people to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man.
  • Christ calls us to be prepared, for at an unexpected hour the Son of Man will come.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

November 22, 2021

Study, Pray, Serve: 1st Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by George Becker on Pexels.com

Here are some of the themes for the readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Jeremiah 33:14-16

  • The days are coming when the Lord will fulfill the promise to the house of Israel
  • The Lord will bring justice through the shoot of David.

Psalm – 25:4-5,8-9,10,14

  • “To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.”
  • The psalmist invites the people to seek the Lord, who offers kindness and goodness.

2nd Reading – 1st Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

  • Paul blesses the people with an increase in love for one another.
  • He then exhorts the people to conduct themselves in a manner pleasing to God.

Gospel – Luke 21:25-28,34-35

  • Jesus tells his disciples about the end times and encourages them to be vigilant at all times.
  • The Lord further reminds the disciples to pray that they have strength to face their tribulations.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

November 11, 2018

32nd Sunday of the Year: Giving generously. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Two widows offer examples of giving generously in the Scriptures today.  Three words – gratitude, sacrifice and expectation – can offer insight into how we can be generous as we follow the example of Jesus.

Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year

**************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Ordinary Time, Podcast

March 31, 2018

Easter Vigil: United with Christ from death to new life. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

We wait in vigil through the night to hear the news of Easter joy: Christ is risen!  At the Easter Vigil we join with the Church around the world, welcoming new members to the faith and recalling the great events of salvation history.

Mass Readings – Easter Vigil

***************

Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts

 

 

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Easter, Podcast

November 27, 2017

1st Sunday of Advent: Are you ready?

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Study: Consider an experience where you were able to be still, pause and reflect.  How can you make that pattern happen this Advent?

Pray: Carve out a few minutes this season for quiet prayer.  Reflect on your life and invite the Lord to dwell in your heart.

Serve: There are many opportunities this time of year to help others.  Look around for an activity that speaks to your soul.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent

Advent is one of those seasons that has the power to surprise us.  Just like the relationship between Lent and Easter, Advent offers us a time to prepare our hearts for the great feast of Christmas.  In this short season we discover the themes of Preparation, Waiting, Expectation, Repentance, and Stillness.

The thing is…if we aren’t ready for Advent then the whirlwind rush of December can sweep us up into the frenzy of the commercial side of the holiday.  Many people are so busy – concerts, parties, family events, purchasing gifts and partaking of the “forced fun” of consumerism’s attempt at a Hallmark Christmas…

Whew!  Instead, we can take a deep breath, pray, and reflect on where the Lord is leading us at this moment in our lives.  Consider the readings this Sunday:

  • 1st Reading – Isaiah acknowledges that the people are far from God
  • Psalm – “Lord make us turn to you; show us your face and we shall be saved.”
  • 2nd Reading – St. Paul encourages the people of Corinth to be faithful to the end.
  • Gospel – The Lord exhorts us to be watchful and alert.

So in these short days of preparation here are a few questions to ponder:

  • Where I can find a little stillness and quiet in my life?
  • How is the Lord calling me to pray?
  • Is there anything or anyone that requires special attention?
  • Where is the Lord leading me right now?
  • What do I need to do as I prepare for Christmas?
  • How can I help someone in this quiet season of Advent?

You get the idea.  Step back, pause, and consider in the busy pace that many of us call normal how the Lord is directing your heart.  Advent has a beauty and power; our task is to enter into this season and allow God to speak to our souls.

***************

Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent

%d bloggers like this: