Pastor's Pen - November 29, 2015

The start of a new Church Year begins with Advent, this week-end. Happy New Year!

The first two weeks of Advent always concentrate on the 2nd Coming of Christ, the end of the world, what is called the Parousia in the Scriptures. Obviously it should cause us to reflect on our “readiness” for the coming of Christ, the 2nd coming of Christ . Are we prepared and ready to meet Jesus at all times, whether at the end of our lives or at the end of the world?
 “Being prepared” doesn’t mean selling all of our possessions and giving away everything we own. Some fanatics have done that in the past, as they were certain that the world was going to end on a set day or year.

"Being prepared” means living our life the best way that we can and sharing the gifts in our life, all of which come from God, with those around us. Our best way to prepare is to live lives of service, sacrifice, generosity and worship. The words of Jesus proclaim that “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me. Now enter into the home of my Father.” Advent is a time of examination of our lives in the context of a bigger picture that we are part of. Let’s build more fruitful lives over these weeks!

Fr. Ralph