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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Nov. 29, 2009
By Jean Denton
Catholic News Service
November 29, First Sunday of Advent.
Cycle C. Readings:
1) Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
2) 1 Thessalonians 3:12 to 4:2
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
My daughter's face glowed with the blush of a new romance as she hung up the phone after talking to her boyfriend. "He said he was thinking about us saving the world together," she smiled, admiring his idealism. Such enthusiasm is not unusual in college-age people like this pair.
But she admitted he was more altruistic than she. Laughing, she pointed out in the vernacular of the day, "Of course, he was all thinking 'save the world,' and I was all thinking 'together.'"
It was years ago, but that insight into human nature comes back to me every so often when I consider varying attitudes regarding relationships.
It resonates in the readings for this first week of Advent. They call us to share in God's justice -- to work together with God for a promise he made from the beginning of his covenant with humankind.
In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul reminded the early Christian community of the instructions Jesus gave us for our part: to increase in love for one another and for all.
His exhortation carries the echo of Psalm 25 saying that God shows sinners the way to justice. "All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees."
This is an invitation to participate in salvation. We are invited to prepare ourselves for Jesus' gift of redemption by loving as he loves and practicing justice in the ways he has given us. Saving the world is about being together. It is about our relationship with God and with others, especially the least among us.
As Advent begins, we are reminded to examine our lives and redirect ourselves to the coming of "the Lord our justice." We hope that if we accept his offers of strength and guidance, we also will receive his blessing to save the world together.
QUESTIONS:
How can you help "save the world" where you are here and now? Who are the people you encounter in your daily life who cry out for justice and can be answered through your acts of love?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and for you I wait all the day" (Psalm 25:5).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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