Tag Archives: Preparation

November 24, 2025

Study, Pray, Serve: 1st Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Anugrah Lohiya on Pexels.com

Here are some of the themes that surface in the Mass 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 near.
  • 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 (#1)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

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August 28, 2025

Daily Mass: Stay awake! We are prepared to engage our faith at all times.

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Jennifer on Pexels.com

Jesus urges us to stay alert and prepared as we follow the Lord through the uncertainties of life.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 21st Week of the Year (#428)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Augustine, pray for us!

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December 1, 2024

1st Sunday of Advent: We are ready and prepared for the coming of Christ. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Advent offers a powerful opportunity to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming, and we begin this holy season by renewing our efforts to build up the relationships that God sets before us.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent (#3)

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August 30, 2024

Daily Mass: We spiritually prepare for the surprises in life. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Jordan Corrales on Pexels.com

Through prayer, sacraments, and virtuous service, we prepare ourselves for the surprises and uncertainties of life.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 21st Week of the Year (#429)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

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November 12, 2023

32nd Sunday of the Year: Awake and ready to meet the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Dhivakaran S on Pexels.com

Jesus offers a parable, inviting us to ponder on our spiritual preparations and challenging us to be ready, awake and vigilant for the Lord.

Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year (A)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

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November 27, 2022

1st Sunday of Advent: Getting ready for both the Lord’s birth and return in glory. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The season of Advent urges us to prepare not only for the Lord’s birth, but also for his return in glory. May these coming weeks help us to meet the Lord on Christmas day and make us ready for the hour when we are called from this life to the next.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent

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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

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

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August 27, 2021

Daily Mass: Stay awake and be ready for the Lord, Part II. Catholic Inspiration

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by David Dibert on Pexels.com

Building on the Gospel reading from yesterday we see how crucial it is for us to be prepared as we follow Jesus Christ through this life. It begs a question: what preparations do we need to make today?

Mass Readings – Friday of the 21st Week of the Year

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St. Monica…pray for us!

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November 30, 2020

2nd Sunday of Advent: Am I prepared?

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Study: Reflect on an experience where you were able to act in a strong and powerful way.  How did you prepare for this work?

Pray:  Do you see an obstacle in your life that is keeping you from the Lord or another person?  Pray for the grace to prepare the way.

Serve: How can you assist someone who is working on a difficult task right now?

Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent

This week we hear about John the Baptist who embodies the great call of Isaiah the prophet to “prepare the way of the Lord.”  John heralds the coming of the Messiah, urging us to change our ways and prepare our hearts.  Here’s a quick recap:

  • 1st Reading – Isaiah comforts the people as God prepares the way.
  • Psalm – “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
  • 2nd Reading – We patiently await the Lord’s coming.
  • Gospel – John the Baptist preaches repentance and prepares the people for Jesus.

The stirring quality of these readings prompts us to respond decisively.  God calls us to action!  God comes with power!  The urgency underscored in these readings today emphasizes that eternal life is at stake; what we do here on earth leads to repercussions in Heaven.

Yet we also know that careful planning frequently precedes bold action.  As we follow Christ we take the time that Advent offers to reflect on how the Lord is speaking to our lives.  We pause in this season because there are critical times in life that demand stillness, silence, reflection and thoughtful attention.  Simply put, we slow down with the Lord so that we are ready to speed up when life switches gears.

What is God doing in our lives today?  What needs preparation?  How is the Lord working in and through our hearts?

Take this week and perform a simple internal spiritual inventory.  Consider this one question – If God called you home tonight, would you be ready?    If the answer is yes, then we live our faith with eagerness and zeal.  If the answer is no, then we take time to prepare the way for the Lord.

Note: This post was first published on December 4, 2017.

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November 23, 2020

1st Sunday of Advent: Getting ready

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

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.

Note: This post was first published on November 27, 2017.

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