It is 3rd December 2017. We begin the Advent today. It is the time of waiting to meet someone we love so intimately. This waiting is so crucial for our spiritual growth with which we will be experiencing the person of Jesus in a historical context. What are we doing during the moments of waiting makes the waiting meaningful or meaningless. This spiritual and grace-filled moment makes us spiritually vigilant and deeply faithful even amidst the most stress-filled periods of our lives. It is very special time for the adults to be aware God’s presence in His Only Beloved Son and for the rest it is the time to celebrate our humanity in fully human and fully God, Jesus Christ. Let us make effort to allow our children and youth to come near the liturgical symbols and signs so as to believe in the mystery of incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unless and until we utilize the present time meaningfully and spiritually, we cannot experience the total blessings of the seasons of Christmas. Without sacrifices, there are no sanctification and celebrations. The first reading take us to have a personal introspection of how far we have disconnected from God while the Gospel invites us to be alert and be prepared to meet the Lord at any moment of our lives. The readings are from Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3b-8; the second reading is from 1Corinthians 1:3-9; and the Gospel from Mark 13:33-37. In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah reminds us that our sinfulness must be brought to the notice of God to be forgiven. God wants to save God’s people and to remold them again. “Yet, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” (Is.64:7). The responsorial Psalm prays, “Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved.” (Ps.80:4). St. Paul invites us to be patiently enduring for the return of the Lord. God is faithful to His words “so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor.1:7). The first Sunday of Advent invites us to be ready to receive the Lord who is going to come into our lives, families and the communities. It is indeed the celebration of the historical, mystical, and chronological beginning of Jesus in the awareness of humanity. The Gospel alerts us to expect the visitation of the Lord at any time of our lives. let us not waste time pointlessly waiting rather engaging ourselves in cleaning the inner sanctuaries of ourselves. Let us remove all barriers, obstacles and the accumulated dust in our inner temples ready for the Lord to arrive and find everything prepared for his arrival. May you have a good day. God bless you all.