Power & Glory

First Sunday of Advent (C)

Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family

Luke 21:25-28, 34-26 Jesus said to his disciples: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."

(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud

“Be vigilant at all times and pray…”

(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family

In order to keep our hearts from becoming drowsy and fading away from God, Jesus suggests that we be watchful and prayerful.  We have to be very watchful to guard our faith.  Our world is very dangerous, with many traps for Christians and many attacks on the family.  Parents must be very intentional about how they raise their children.  Children must be able to see a clear faith and morality in the example of their parents.

Parents must guide their children into spiritual safety.  They must be as aware of spiritual dangers as they are of physical dangers to their children.  Though they must give appropriate freedom, parents also must be vigilant about TV and movies, internet use, children’s friends (and their families), what’s taught at school, how their daughters dress, etc.  Frequent, engaged conversation between children and parents is a great help.  When can we take time to talk about life a bit each day?

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.)