Coming of Jesus and My Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Advent Season : C Cycle :  1st Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 21:25-28, 34-36*

*First Reading - Jer 33:14-16*

*SECOND READING 1 Thes 3:12-4:2*

*Coming of Jesus and My Life*

*1) Season of Advent*

Today we begin the new liturgical year. With Advent, we enter into a new Liturgical Year 

*Advent* means *arrival* or *Coming* Here it is referred to the coming of Jesus 

So with Advent we prepare ourselves to receive Jesus in our life.

*2) Coming of Jesus in Different times*

It is commonly understood that there are three times the coming of  Jesus happens. 

*Historical Coming*

This coming of Jesus has happened 2021 years ago. When Jesus was born at Bethlehem, the Historical Jesus happened. 

*Coming of Jesus in our life daily*

This coming of Jesus happens through our spiritual activities. 

When we receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, Jesus comes into our life 

Also when we receive the other sacraments, during prayer and when we spend time with the Lord

*Final Coming of Jesus*

This will happen at the end of our life. Jesus will  personally visit us and take us to our final destiny. 

*3) Two reactions at the coming of Jesus*

One group of people will be terribly frightened because of their unpreparedness. 

As a result they will not be able to face the coming of Jesus

The second group of people will stand stright, holding their heads high. 

These are the people who have prepared themselves to meet the Lord. 

*4) Beware of Your hearts*

In preparing ourselves to meet Jesus, we need to take are of the heart. 

Since the heart is the centre of all emotions which ultimately motivates to act, one must be careful about what is going on in ones heart 

If the heart is pure, then the person remains pure and holy. That's why the Gospel asks us to be aware of our hearts 

*5) The importance of the new Shoot*

New shoot is a new beginning. 

Advent is a season where God comes precisely, to raise from our life a new shoot 

The sign of new shoot is the evidence of new life, new beginning, new vigour, new thinking, new way of life and a different variety. 

God is at work in raising the new shoot in and through my life. If so what is my response? 

Am I ready to cooperate to bring see the new shoot in my life 

*6) New Shoot in advent*

The advent season demands us to have the following shoots in our lives 

The shoot of conversion

The shoot of new way of life 

The shoot of preparedness

The shoot of service 

The shoot of forgiveness

The shoot of courage

The shoot of discipline

The shoot of humility

The shoot of joyfulness

The shoot of sacrifice

The shoot simplicity

The shoot sincerity

What is my thinking and outlook about the above things? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*