Lectionary Resources
YOUR CATECHETICAL LIBRARY FOR THE LITURGICAL YEAR
Junior High Session
Isaiah 2:1-5 Matthew 24:37-44
Let us pray. O God, help us to stay awake and be ready for the coming of Jesus. In the name of Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. Opening Life Reflection The theme for today is the Second Coming of Jesus. To begin, invite the young people to brainstorm what they do to get ready for a special event. Write down their responses. Discuss:
Allow time for discussion. On this first Sunday of Advent we are called to be alert and ready for Jesus. The focus is not on the first coming of Jesus as a baby. Today we are reminded to watch for the Second Coming of Christ, who will come in final judgment and glory.
In the Old Testament reading listen to how God will bring true peace in the days to come. Read Isaiah 2:1-5. Allow for silence.
In the Gospel today listen to the call to be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus. Read Matthew 24:37-44. Allow for silence.
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings. In the first reading from the Old Testament we find a glorious image of the mountaintop of the Lord. It is foretold that all nations and many peoples will be drawn to the Lord’s house. God will teach the people so that they may walk on the path of goodness and light. A God-given peace will come down on all nations and weapons will turn into tools for life. Today’s passage describes the completion of the hopes of Israel. The people of Israel and all peoples will be drawn to God, who will bring about both judgment and true peace. In today’s gospel we are given an urgent message to get ready for the Second Coming of Jesus. Now is the time to live as true followers of Christ because a coming as sudden and devastating as the flood in Noah’s time is expected. The Lord’s return will be like a thief in the night, coming without notice. Today’s passage gets right to the point that we must prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. At the time of judgment, one will be taken and one left. We need to be ready to meet the Lord now. Stay alert, this is a strong Advent theme which continues throughout the season.
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life]
The season of Advent celebrates the expectant hope of believers who look forward to the coming of Jesus. During Advent the Catholic Church looks toward the end of time, when Christ will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. We look forward to the Second Coming of Christ with great hope. The Church helps us prepare for Christ’s coming and the final judgment. We are reminded that how we behave here and now has consequences in the hereafter. During Advent we examine our hearts and spend our days preparing and praying for the coming of Jesus. While no one knows the day or the hour, the Lord is coming soon.
This Advent how can you stay alert for the coming of Jesus?