Readings & Questions for 1 Advent, Nov. 19

1 Advent, Year C

November 29, 2009

Episcopal Revised Lectionary

Print this and read a different passage each day and think about it. Some questions are offered to help stimulate your reflection. You'll find your experience of worship on Sunday will be intensified.

For a method to read and pray with the scriptures you might try to use the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). We've written some instructions on how to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link: Using Lectio Divina to pray the lections

Then make a comment on this blog to share your thoughts about the collect and scriptures for this Sunday.

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The Collect

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Scriptures

Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
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Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."
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What does "justice and righteousness in the land" look like to you?
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Psalm 25:1-9

To you, O God, I lift up my soul;
my God, I put my trust in you; *

let me not be humiliated,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Let none who look to you be put to shame; *

let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

Show me your ways, O God, *

and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, *

for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.

Remember, O God, your compassion and love, *

for they are from everlasting.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *

remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O God.

Gracious and upright are you; *

therefore you teach sinners in your way.

You guide the humble in doing right *

and teach your way to the lowly.

All your paths are love and faithfulness *

to those who keep your covenant and your testimonies.

St. Helena Psalter

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Read this psalm as though it were your prayer.
Which part of this psalm moved you most deeply?
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1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

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How can your heart be strengthened in holiness?
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Luke 21:25-36

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable:

"Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

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What is the most important part of this reading for you?
In times of trouble or threat, how do you look for Christ's presence?
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For a way to Pray with these scriptures, go to the following link for instructions about how to use Lectio Divina with the Sunday readings:
Praying the Scriptures with Lectio (http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html)