The Scripture readings for this first Sunday in Advent urge us to wake up to what is happening here and now. We must be prepared, focused on making our hearts ready to receive God at every moment.

Jesus’ heavenly reign is populated by those who seek it in humility: by those who imitate their crucified King in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, even as he hangs on the cross.

The purpose of Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel was reassurance. Jesus wanted his followers to draw strength from his continuing presence with them.

As Christians, the new life Jesus gives is the ultimate answer to all our questions. We need only make our act of faith in he who died and rose for us.

God is at work in the most unlikely of ways, and in people we may least expect to change. Repentance like that was—and is—the mission of Jesus.

Today’s Gospel continues a series of Gospel reflections on prayer. Coming before the Lord with our need, our sinfulness, our openness to God must be the starting point for our prayer.