Are We Prepared for Joy?
First Sunday of Advent (B)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 13: 33-37 – Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
It is Advent, a special time for mankind. During this time we prepare for two things: Christ’s first coming as a Man in the Incarnation, and Christ’s Second Coming in glory at the end of time. In both cases, we know Christ is coming. So, there is a real joy, but there is also a seriousness that comes with this joy. We know the joy of Christ is totally available to us if we want it, but we also know that this joy isn’t simply guaranteed. There are real consequences if we miss what Christ comes to bring us. This is the great drama of Advent. We have a serious responsibility to prepare.
The quality of our joy at Christ’s arrival will have much to do with the quality of our preparation. This is true both for Christmas and for Christ’s Second Coming. We have to choose to prepare. We have to choose to prepare for Christ over other things! When we choose one thing, it also means we don’t choose many other things. There is not enough room in our hearts for Christ and earthly attachments. He will not share our hearts with any created thing! In prayer, let’s consider two things: What is one practical way each of us can prepare for Christ this Advent? And what is one thing that we must give up this Advent, to make room in our hearts for Christ? Christ is serious about us being prepared for the joy of His coming… are we?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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