Gospel Reflection First Sunday of Advent, Year B.
By The Benedictine Community
Lord, make us turn to you,
let us see your face and we shall be saved. (Psalm 79)
Happy new liturgical year! This year we follow the Gospel of Mark, the first and shortest gospel and thought to be Peter's memories as recounted to his disciple, Mark.
We can easily be deflected from the real purpose of Advent by concentrating on the first and historic coming of Jesus as an infant in Bethlehem, but Jesus warns his immediate disciples and all his disciples for ages to come to watch for his final coming. At this time of natural disasters, wars and rumours of wars we have a sense that end-times are near but the Gospel gives us advice, direction and courage. Stay awake!
A gospel song from my youth puts it nicely. I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.'
Trust, trust and trust again! Amen.