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: Sundays Salesian: First Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2015)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: First Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2015)

Community in Mission: A Recipe for Readiness - Homily for the First Sunday of Advent (28 NOV 15)

Word on Fire: Advent and the Shaking of the Kingdoms (Cycle C * Advent * Week 1)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Heads Up: Scott Hahn Reflects on the First Sunday of Advent (23 NOV 15)

CWR: The Dispatch: Advent orients us to the heart of the Nativity (28 NOV 15)

Spirituality of the Readings: Wake Up Call (First Sunday of Advent C)

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

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

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

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

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: Prepare for Judgment - and Joy (8 NOV 15)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: First Sunday of Advent (30 OCT 15)