WC 1/12 HOPE

We take this theme from the Gospel reading of the

1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A

---

GATHER

+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What is the difference between wishing and hoping?

What's the best surprise that you've ever had?

How long would you wait for the life you want?

WORD

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew: Glory to you O Lord.

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples:

‘For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSE

We begin the season of Advent, a time of hopeful anticipation for the coming of Christ. This Sunday's Gospel from Matthew gives us a very urgent message. Jesus tells his disciples to think about the time of Noah:

“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

What were those days like? Jesus describes people going about their normal, everyday lives - eating, drinking, marrying - completely oblivious to the great change that was about to happen. They were living without hope in anything beyond the present moment. They were not prepared for the great flood, Noah’s Ark, or the change that was about to come.

Jesus is telling us to look at our own lives. He warns us that his coming, both at the end of time and in our daily lives, will be sudden and unexpected:

“Therefore, stay awake,

for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming”

He compares it to a homeowner who is not watching and is robbed by a thief. The point is simple: We must be prepared.

Advent hope isn't about being scared; it's about being ready. This passage is a call to live our lives in a way that is ready to welcome Christ. This week, today, right now.

This preparation is the key to our hope.

When we feel hopeless, it’s often because we are living only for what is happening right now. We focus too much on this that don't matter, and don't last. Advent calls us to lift our eyes and live for what is coming. We prepare for Christ's coming by being mindful of how we use our potential, how we spend our time, how we treat others, and our relationship with God.

When we live with this awareness, our hope deepens, and we find peace even amidst the everyday chaos. Hope is the virtue that keeps us ready, anticipating the joy and transformation Christ's presence brings.

How does Jesus’ message challenge or comfort you?

MISSION

Choose one distraction that consumes a lot of your time (like a specific app or a video game) Set a limit on that distraction. Use the time you gain back to do something intentional that prepares you spiritually, like reading the Bible, praying, or helping someone in your family.

COLLECT

Let us pray…

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.