Sunday reflections

Galilee was no one’s idea of a place that could launch a ‘world changing movement’. Galilee’s history was not glorious. The readings this week refer to it as the “land of Naphtali”, which was one of the breakaway tribes of the Jewish people that formed the northern kingdom of Israel.

When Joseph learns that his young fiancée is pregnant, he must have been quite distressed. He probably thought that she had been unfaithful, had been attacked, or was delusional. He knows that the child is not his, so his long genealogy linking the family to David would be irrelevant. We can only imagine the confusion, hurt, and anger of this ‘man of honour’.

“Stay awake!” It’s not exactly the most comforting advice for people who might already be tired at the end of a long year – especially as we join the throngs flocking to shops for the usual Christmas spend-up. Yet that’s the cry that greets us on this first Sunday of Advent. The season opens not with tinsel and cheer, but with Jesus telling his disciples to be alert, watchful, and ready for something new.

When we hear the words, ‘a voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord …’, what do we hear? A young man wondered whether he was being called to be a priest. But when have we heard a call to prepare a way for the Lord?

“Stay awake!” It’s not exactly the most comforting advice for people who might already be tired at the end of a long year – especially as we join the throngs flocking to shops for the usual Christmas spend-up. Yet that’s the cry that greets us on this first Sunday of Advent. The season opens not with tinsel and cheer, but with Jesus telling his disciples to be alert, watchful, and ready for something new.

We come to the last Sunday of this liturgical year, and our year-long celebration of all the wonders that God has done for us culminates in the feast of Christ the King. Crowning the liturgical year, we profess and rejoice that Christ is King of the Universe, Lord of all creation, and that he is Lord of our lives, individually and communally.

This week’s readings are referred to as apocalyptic. While ‘Hollywood’ and video games portray apocalyptic through images of widespread destruction, catastrophic events or zombie attacks, the original meaning refers to uncovering or unveiling to impart wisdom, meaning, and hope to people.

The celebration of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (the official cathedral of the Diocese of Rome) one thousand seven hundred and one years ago in 324AD) is an occasion to reflect on the architectural symbolism of a church.

On All Soul’s Day the Church invites each of us to remember and pray for the souls of our dear ones who have gone before us and for those who have no one to remember them.

As church-people, we may think we know what it means to worship God. After all, we go to church, say some prayers, pay our dues, and try to live a decent life. Indeed, all this is well and good. But God asks something more of us. Do we think the good things we do in life arise from our own virtue? Do we find ourselves somewhat judgmental and intolerant of those who don’t quite live up to our standards?arked: “Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington DC are not bothered by heavy traffic!”