“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24: 42

The prophet Isaiah greets us with a promise of universal peace. He foresees a time when all nations will learn God’s ways. They will no longer make weapons or training for war. They will “walk in the light of the Lord.” When Isaiah wrote his message of hope, Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, were under the threat of attack by its enemies. Yet the prophet clung to his faith that God would come to save God’s people. / Isaiah 2:1-5 

“Awake from sleep,” Paul says, and “put on the armor of light.” He means that we should practice love for our neighbors and avoid deeds of darkness (sin). He warns us that we may not have as much time as we think, because the day (when Jesus will return) draws near! / Romans 13:11-14

The Gospel asks us to live in the present with an eye toward the future. We are not to be totally absorbed by the usual activities of life. We are to remain open to the coming of the Lord, and be prepared. Here Jesus compares himself to a thief who breaks in when no one is looking! Jesus wants us to be prepared so that we can welcome him, not as a thief, but as our long-awaited Savior! / Matthew 24: 37-44

© 2019 by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Reflection Question

Besides material preparations for Christmas (gifts, decorations, lights, Christmas trees, etc.…) what spiritual preparations are you planning to make?

Blessing of the Advent Wreath

Lord God, we praise you for your Son Jesus Christ who is Emmanuel, the people’s hope, the wisdom that teaches and guides us, and Savior of every nation. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

First Sunday of Advent

Focuses on the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, we light this candle as the one who lights up a lamp to go out in the night to encounter the friend who is coming. On this First Week of Advent, we want to rise up and wait for you all prepared to welcome you with joy. We want to be alert and watchful because you bring us the brightest light, the most profound peace and the everlasting joy. Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus!

ATTENTION: We have the posters with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe available. They have all the information and schedules of the Virgen de Guadalupe, Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Ministry of Hospitality will have the posters in each of the doors today and during the week at the parish office. Although we are not charging for the posters any donation is appreciated to help us with the many expenses of the different celebrations. BLESSINGS!!!!

Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic School News

Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic School is holding an informational meeting about having a STEM program on our campus. If you would like to learn more about what STEM is and how it can benefit the children in our community please join us Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all parish members are welcome to attend!