First Sunday of Advent

Today the Church celebrates the First Sunday of Advent. The assigned readings are Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12--4:2; and Luke 21:25-28, 34-36. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 25 (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 25 To You O Lord I lift my soul

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: First Sunday of Advent (December 2, 2018)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: First Sunday of Advent (December 2, 2018)

Community in Mission: A Recipe for Readiness - A Homily for the First Sunday of Advent (1 DEC 18)

The Deacon's Bench: Strike a match: Homily for December 2, 2018, 1st Sunday of Advent (1 DEC 18)

The Sacred Page: The Sacred Page: Soberly Awaiting the Second Coming: Readings for 1st Sunday of Advent (29 NOV 18)

The Sacred Page: The Second Coming of Jesus: Be Prepared (The Mass Readings Explained) (26 NOV 18)

St. Paul Center: Heads Up: Scott Hahn Reflects on the First Sunday of Advent

Word on Fire: A New Fixed Star (Cycle C * Advent * Week 1)

Spirituality of the Readings: Why do we have Advent? (The First Sunday of Advent C)

In Exile: Advent - A Time to Learn How to Wait (The First Sunday of Advent C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Between Two Advents (The First Sunday of Advent C)

The Word Engaged: A Time of Childhood (The First Sunday of Advent C)

Historical Cultural Context: Vigilance and Prayer (The First Sunday of Advent C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Gregory the Great (The First Sunday of Advent C)