December 1, 2024 - One Bread, One Body
December 1, First Sunday of Advent
Cycle C Readings:
1) Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
2) 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Happy New Year?
“Men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory.” —Luke 21:27
Happy New Year! Today is the first day of Advent and of the Church year. The Church’s new year not only begins earlier than that of the world, but is also ushered in differently. The world’s new year is inaugurated with New Year’s Eve parties, much drinking, and self-indulgence. The Church begins its new year with the warning: “Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares” (Lk 21:34).
Another difference between our new year and the world’s is that our new year actually is new. The only new thing about the world’s so-called new year is new numbers on a calendar. The world’s new year is nothing but a rerun of a rerun — just more selfishness, escapism, compulsive behavior, confusion, and sin (see Eccl 1:9-10). Conversely, the Church’s new year is truly new. It is centered as always on Jesus and begins with His Christmas coming (Rv 21:5-6). Moreover, Jesus is infinite; with Him we always have more, always something new (2 Cor 5:17). When Jesus comes into our hearts during Christmas, we will experience His love in a new way.
One other difference between the Church’s new year and the world’s is that ours really is happy because it is Christ-centered. Happy new year!
Prayer: Father, send someone into my life to call me to repentance. May I go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible.
Promise: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him.” —Is 11:2
Praise: “I solemnly assure you, an hour is coming, has indeed come, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have heeded it shall live” (Jn 5:25). Thank You, risen Jesus!
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024."
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.