In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us to be prepared and watchful for the coming of God.
Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and our minds. Fill us with your peace, love, and understanding. Help us to hear God's message today and recognize His voice in our daily activities. Amen
Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEej0itH4S8 (Accredited to Kids Catholic Media)
Say: Let’s talk about different ways we might prepare, or get ready, for something. Ask children: How would you prepare if you knew if was going to rain later in the day? (Bring a raincoat and umbrella, wear waterproof shoes, plan indoor activities) How would you prepare if you were going to a sleepover? (Pack pajamas and a toothbrush and clothes for the next day) How would you prepare if you were going to the [beach or park]? (Accept responsible responses.)
Say: When we know something important is going to happen, we prepare for it. Today is the first day of Advent, the season in which we prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. We also prepare for something else—the day of the Lord, when Jesus will return in glory.
Ask: Does Jesus say we will know when he will come again? (No.) Say: Even though we do not know when Jesus will return, he tells us that we are to be prepared. We prepare for the day of the Lord by being good Christians everyday. We pray. We follow the Ten Commandment,s and we live as Jesus has taught us to live. Ask: What is something you do each day to be prepared for the day of the Lord? (Accept reasonable responses.)
Close by praying together the Lord’s Prayer.
Father in heaven, for the sake of bringing others closer to you, we give you today, all that we think and do and say, and we join it with all that was done by Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
