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First Reading - Revelation 7:2-8, 9-17

Psalm - Psalm 149:1-9

Second Reading - 1 John 3:1-3

Gospel - Matthew 5:1-12

This is what it means to be called to follow Jesus; this is the Christian life: confession of spiritual impoverishment, grief over sin, humility, deep desire for the things of God, gracious and merciful character, a heart for God alone, being part of a family who brings peace to the world through him who is the Prince of Peace, persecution for heralding his peace—and great joy in the midst of it all. 

First Reading - Exodus 3:1–15

Psalm - Psalm 148:1–12

Second Reading - 2 Thessalonians 2:1–8, 13–17

Gospel - Luke 20:27–40

Many people love distractions—even in Scripture. This is why there are endless discussions about millennial views, rapture, and controversial speculations about things which make no difference since they do not advance the kingdom of God. God’s work is to promote faith in his Son. The work of Christ’s kingdom only truly progresses, not through distractions but, through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church’s devotion to faithfully baptise and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

First Reading - Malachi 4:1–6

Psalm - Psalm 98:1–9

Second Reading - 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5, 6–13

Gospel - Luke 21:5–28, 29–36

“The end is near,” cartoon signage reads. But what if we took those cartoons as actual warnings instead of jokes? There will be signs in the heavens and in political upheaval but we need not wait for such things or wonder if current turmoil in the world are indications of the end. Neither do we need to read comics to know. The end is indeed near, because the Scripture says so. Straighten up (figuratively as well as literally) and lift your chin with the expectation of the parousia of Christ. The Son of Man is coming again! 

First Reading - Malachi 3:13-18

Psalm - Psalm 95:1-7

Second Reading - Colossians 1:13-20

Gospel - Luke 23:27-43

The tendency, when trouble comes, is to hide or, as Jesus has people saying to the mountains and the hills, “fall on us” and “cover us.” The response of the Christian is much different. When trouble comes, as it always does, the faithful say the same thing—but they say it to Jesus. “Cover us!” Cover us, O blessed Rock (1 Cor 10:4), with the robe of your righteousness, with the garments of salvation (Isa 61:10), and “we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (Psa 46:2).

First Reading - Isaiah 2:1–5

Psalm - Psalm 122:1–9

Second Reading - Romans 13:8–10, 11-14

Gospel - Matthew 24:36–44

Who knows (Mark 13:32) when the end (Matt 24:13) will come and the Son of Man appear, "coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matt 24:30b)? Whenever the end arrives, it will be a surprise. So, because we do not know when he will appear—because it will be at an unexpected time—we simply must be ready at all times. Advent is a time of making ready for the unexpected arrival of the Great King.