Collect taken from the First Sunday of Advent
Collect: Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…
“Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming,”
– Focusing especially on the second coming of Christ, we pray to be prepared for his arrival. This preparation means performing righteous deeds which we need grace to perform.
“so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.”
– Having prayed to be prepared, our prayer goes on to ask for the final goal, which is to possess the heavenly kingdom. We are worthy not because of our own efforts, but because the Lord makes worthy those who are willing to receive him and cooperate with his saving grace.
Question & Advice: Are you resolved to run to meet Christ? What righteous deeds will you bring with you? How will you use Advent to prepare for the coming of the Lord? Will you pray, fast, and give alms?
Read about the last Judgment and Christ return in the Catechism (1038-41). Spend some of your daily prayer time reflecting on how you will make special use of this time of preparation. There are plenty of collections of Advent prayers and reflections that people have put together for this time. Some are free, some cost just a little, so take a look at the resources out there and choose one that fosters your spiritual growth. Be sure to get and set up your own Advent Wreath and to light that first candle today!
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| Come Lord Jesus! |