Sunday, November 27, 2022
First Sunday of Advent
Today, being the first Sunday of Advent, the Church begins another new liturgical year. That is to say, the Advent season begins the whole of the church’s celebration of the redemptive mystery of Christ, otherwise known as the Pascal mystery.
The word Advent is translated from the Latin “Adventus“, which itself was translated from the Greek “Parousia” meaning – showing forth, appearing or coming forth.
As a season of the Church, Advent has a double meaning. First it is a period when the Church re-lives the promise made by God to the people of Old Testament through the prophet Isaiah (Is 7:14; 9:7), Micah (Mic 5:2), and Malachi (Mal 3:1), about the coming of the Messiah in the flesh (the mystery of the incarnation), which was confirmed by the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) who narrated the story of his birth.
The second meaning of Advent is that it is a period when the Church expects the final and definitive revelation of Christ in glory; known as the mystery of the Parousia or second coming of Christ.
In all these, the underlying message is “Preparation".
However, Advent can be likened to a desert experience. In the desert, the atmosphere is invariably dry and the soil evaporates more water than it receives, thereby impeding productivity. The life of man remains absolutely dry without the presence of God. He undergoes a spiritual longing for the Lord in order to survive the arid experience and to moisturize his dying soul. Hence, it requires a deep seated spiritual journey and preparation. The Lord we are expecting will not come into our lives if we have a “half done” preparation. We have to leave the door of our heart open because our heart has only one handle located inside. Jesus cannot possibly open it. He will do the knocking while we do the opening. For the scripture says, “Behold I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share a meal at his side” (Revelation 3:20).
The Collect prayer for Sunday, November 27
Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday Mass readings can be seen (Here) First Reading: ISAIAH 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: PSALMS 122:1-9
Second Reading: ROMANS 13:11-14
Gospel: MATTHEW 24:37-44
St. Martin's Mass times and intentions (November 26 thru December 4)
Saturday, November 26
7:00AM Mass.
Reconciliation from 4 to 5 PM with Mass at 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 27
10:00 AM Mass
(for the parishioners of St. Martin de Porres parish)
Monday, November 28
5:15 Mass
(for the intention of the donor)
Tuesday, November 29
5:15 Mass
(for the intention of June Cole, by Lugene Cole)
Wednesday, November 30
5:15 Mass
(for the intention of June Cole, by Lugene Cole)
Thursday, December 1
5:15 Mass
(for the intention of the donor)
Friday, December 2
5:15 Mass
(for the intention of the donor)
Saturday, December 3
7:00 am Mass
Reconciliation from 4 to 5 with Mass at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 4
10:00 a.m. Mass
(for the parishioners of St. Martin de Porres parish)
Pray for our Sick:
Isabel Vega
Nelwyn Wiley
Ray Sistos
Gerald Entrop
Frances Pillow
Al Quinto
Cliff Kreitz
Clark Nicholl
Larry Nicholl
Eleanor Schwab
Ellen Neusch (mother of Father Tony Neusch)
Mary Preciado
Josie Campos
John Barrett
Robert Herrera
Abe and Dottie Lopez
Lord hear our prayer. Amen