Lk 10:21-24 Blest

Jesus' approached his Father with a longing love; full of eagerness and yearning. This results in joy and thanksgiving.

3 Lessons from the Gospel: 3 P's

1. Praise: Jesus explodes in a prayer of praise. This beautiful prayer discloses Jesus' treasured relationship with his Father through the Holy Spirit. His praise comes from the successful mission of the disciples he sent to preach. Praise should also characterize our life.

2. Privilege: Jesus also reveals their great privilege. How blest they are to have accepted the invitation to be his disciples; to see what they see and listen to what they hear. The privilege to be by Jesus' side. Do we also count ourselves blest and privileged?

3. Progress: Jesus prays for them to progress in their love and longing for the Father. That they bear fruit in joy and hope. We are also challenged to have eyes to see; ears to listen; heart to love; hands to serve. We don't get tired of doing Jesus' mission of love.

Mk 13:33-37 Be Watchful - 1st Sunday of Advent

Advent is a new season; a new beginning. Its four Sundays prepare us for Christmas. But on a long-term way, it prepares us for Christ's 2nd Coming soon.

3 Goals of Advent: 3 E's

1. Examine Ourselves:

Its a time for a deeper self-introspection and self-examination. Its something we fear because truth hurts. But we need to judge ourselves honestly without self denial or deception in order to chart a new path and a new direction for our life. Its a way to a new start. In God's hands we are still a work in progress. He is the potter; we are the clay.

2. Expect Jesus:

We are to expect him with excitement. Its like waiting for the Master's return from abroad and find us awake; not asleep. We need to watch our words, actions, thoughts, character and our heart. Our advent prayer is: Maranatha - Come Lord, Jesus.

3. Enkindle our Hope:

We live in a world with depressing realities. At times it stifles our hope; it crushes our spirit. Advent challenges us to re-light our candle of hope. We keep our hope burning & bright. God alone instills hope in us amidst a dark and cruel world.