A WORD FOR TODAY 28 NOVEMBER 2021

https://youtu.be/8LVETM1RWqs

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*LOOK UP AND RAISE YOUR HEADS FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COMING*

_"And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”(Luke 21:27-28)_

_*Today, we begin a new year and new cycle in the Church's liturgical Calender. The word Advent is from the Latin word Adventus which means 'coming'.*_

_The season of Advent has a two fold character of which it will be identified. First, it helps us to prepare for the commemoration of the nativity of our Lord at Christmas. Secondly, it helps us to prepare more importantly for Christ second coming and to look forward to it with hope and readiness._

_*The prophet Jeremiah in the first reading of today gives us a message of hope. The Lord in His own time fulfilled the promise he made to the people. He caused a righteous branch to spring forth for David. This prophecy will come to be fulfilled in Christ Jesus.*_

_We must look up to the second coming of Christ with hope. Jesus will come again and if we are not ready when He comes, it will not be possible for us to be with Him in heaven, therefore, this season is a time to prepare well and be ready so that when the Lord comes we shall go out to meet Him._

_*St. Paul reminds us in the second reading of a very important thing we should be doing in this season. We must increase and abound in love for one another. We must live righteously and make our hearts to be without spot and this is surely the only way to be ready when He comes.*_

_Jesus tells us in the gospel reading to be ready and not let our guards down. We must stay focused always and not allow anything in this life to distract us from reaching the end. We must look up and raise our heads high and let our hearts be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit._

_*The season of Advent is a time for transformation of our bad habits to a life of purity and goodness. We must be watchful always so as not to be dragged down by agents of evil. To live without watchfulness is a disaster, therefore, Stay focused and be on your guard.*_

_It is also a time for spiritual renewal. A time to pray more and pay more attention to your spiritual life. Go to mass, make a good sacramental confession, visit Jesus in the blessed Sacrament, perform a retreat, do charity and stay close to Jesus._

_*To hold your heads high is a sign of victory.(Psalm 20:8). God will not allow the dreadful things that will happen to touch you. Therefore, do not be afraid and do not harden your heart like Pharoah (Exodus 7:14/Mark 4:18-19). Stay close to Jesus, share his love with everyone and you will be ready to meet Him when He comes and your reward will be eternally guaranteed.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a blessed Sunday. May Jesus give you the grace to celebrate advent season with utmost readiness and joy. *Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Jeremiah 33:14-16/Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14/1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2/Luke 21:25-28,34-36

*Watch-Word:* To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

_*Do not loose-guard, stay watchful in prayer and you will be ready when the Son of man comes.*_

(First Sunday of Advent. Cycle C)