Christians traditionally understand Advent as a season of hope and waiting. It is the time when Christians prepare for both the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas and His promised return at the end of time. This Sunday, November 30, is the first Sunday of Advent.
Gospel Text – Matthew 24:37-44
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
First Reading – Isaiah 2:1-5
In the first reading, Isaiah prophecies about God’s plan for peace and justice. He sees all nations streaming to “the mountain of the Lord,” Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. God’s law will come forth from Jerusalem, bringing peace and justice to Israel. God transforms weapons into tools for cultivation, and nations stop raising swords against one another or training for war.
Second Reading – Romans 13:11-14
Paul urges believers to “wake from sleep” because salvation is near. He encourages the people to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light,” and “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a call for the people to “conduct themselves properly,” and to lose the “desires of the flesh.”
Gospel – Hope in the Coming of the Lord Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus compares the coming of the Son of Man to the days of Noah. He warns that many will be unprepared, and to “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” We are called to be prepared, to be watchful, and to live faithfully. Advent is the season to prepare for the coming of our Lord at Christmas.
Common Themes
All four readings share Advent themes of hope, vigilance, and preparation:
- Expectation of God’s reign: Isaiah and the Psalms envision peace, justice, and God’s dwelling among His people.
- Call to readiness: Romans and Matthew stress waking up, living in the light, and staying alert for Christ’s coming.
- Movement from darkness to light: Isaiah’s “walk in the light,” Paul’s “armor of light,” and Jesus’ warning against complacency all point to transformation.
- Peace and restoration: Jerusalem as the city of peace, Isaiah’s vision of disarmament, and Paul’s call to holiness all anticipate the fullness of God’s kingdom.
Together, these readings proclaim the Advent message: God’s kingdom comes, and God calls us to live in the light and turn away from sin. Please share your thoughts on this article in the “Comments” section.
Peace
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