by Faith Central & Steve Welsh
“… The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). …”
Catholic Mass for the First Sunday of Advent, from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. [Click here for Mass Readings.]
On the Catholic Liturgical Calendar, the final Sunday of Ordinary Time and of the entire Liturgical Year marks the Solemnity of Christ the King. Advent and the new Liturgical Year start a week later. The USCCB provides inspirational background on the Solemnity of Christ the King, excerpts of which follow:
“Each year at the conclusion of the liturgical year, we fittingly celebrate the Solemnity of #Christ the King. As the Apostle St. Paul teaches us, ‘In Jesus Christ] every thing in heaven and earth was created… and continues in being’ …. He is the ‘Alpha and Omega,’ the ‘Beginning and End,’ the ‘Way, Truth, and Life.’ Indeed, Christ promises to His faithful friends the gift of salvation, the pledge of everlasting life through His Resurrection. Therefore, faithfulness to Christ, our King, opens the door to our eternal happiness.
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Bearing witness to the truth in this age can be difficult. But Christ has shown us that ‘kingship’ must always be at the service of the good of mankind. Therefore, with His Grace and in hope of His Gift of Salvation, let us bear witness to the truth, even when it is unpopular or costly to do so. In this way, we become faithful servants of Christ, preparing the way for His Kingdom, both on earth and in heaven.”