Fr. Craig’s Contemplations

Fr. Craig’s Contemplations
First Sunday of Advent

11-28-21  The prayerful beauty of Advent Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, bishop, marvels on the Incarnation of Christ, saying, “Christ, the light of all lights, follows [St. John the Baptist], the lamp that goes before him. The Word of God [Jesus] follows the voice in the wilderness.”

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem in his catechetical instruction, reminds us of the “twofold coming of Christ.” St. Cyril says, “The first coming was marked by patience; the second will bring the crown of a divine kingdom. … At the first coming our Lord Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes. At His second coming He will be clothed in light as in a garment. … At His first coming He endured the cross, in the second coming He will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels. And so, St. Cyril reminds each of us to look “beyond” the first coming and await the second.

Soon, you will see the Advent wreath on display. As you know, the Advent wreath is four candles, three purple candles and one mystical-rose candle. The first candle lit, is purple and symbolizes hope. Some refer to this first candle as the “prophecy candle” in remembrance of the great prophet Isaiah, who foretold the birth of our Lord.

The second candle, also purple, symbolizes our faith. Some refer to it as the “Bethlehem candle” because it is a reminder of Our Lady and St. Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle’s color is mystical-rose. (I am a bit color blind, it looks pink to me, but let’s set that aside.) This third candle symbolizes joy and is sometimes called the “Shepherd’s candle.” You may remember that the third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday, and it is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Finally, the fourth week of Advent, we light the last of the purple candles. In this final week of Advent, we are called to prayer, penance, and preparation as we wait to celebrate the Solemnity of Christmas. This final candle is sometimes called the “Angels Candle” and it symbolizes peace. It helps us to prayerfully remember we are called to live in the peace of Christ and share the peace of Christ with those whom we encounter. And so, as all of us join together in Advent, let us all pray for greater hope, faith, joy and peace in our community and our world.

May God Bless you!
Fr. Craig


READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2021

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

1^st Reading—Jeremiah 33: 14-16— The time is coming when the Lord’s promise to Israel will be fulfilled. An offspring of David will come and bring justice for all nations of the world.

Responsorial Psalm: 25: 5-6, 8-9, 10, 14— “To you, O Lord, I lift my soul, to you, I lift my soul.”

2^nd Reading—1 Thessalonians 3: 12—4:2—Paul prayed to the Lord for the Christians of Thessalonica that their love for one another would overflow and that their hearts might be blameless and holy before God.

Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! “Show us Lord, your love; show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation!” Blessed Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Gospel—Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36—There will be great signs in the heavens and great distress on the earth when the Son of Man comes in glory. Therefore, “be vigilant at all times…to stand before the Son of Man.”