Category: Liturgy

Advent – First Sunday

By Fr Dumisani Vilakati

First Reading :     Isaiah 63:16d-17; 64:1. 3b-8
Responsorial Psalm :     Psalm 80
Second Reading :     1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel :     Mark 13:33-37

The theme of the closeness of God to his people seems to reign supreme in this Sunday’s readings.

In the first reading, taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah, God is called Father and Redeemer. From common experience we know that the father shares many things with his children, most of all his genes, culture, religion and indeed material possessions. A Redeemer on the other hand, is a relative who, when his kinsman is in trouble, makes every effort to bring him out of his misery. In this we may recall the great example of Boaz (in the book of Ruth) who redeemed the suffering and needy Ruth, thus being instrumental in her sustenance and eventually, both of them becoming ancestors of David as well as of our Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that God is both Father and Redeemer, should infuse us with a sure hope that he will never leave us untended. Continue reading “Advent – First Sunday” →