First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 29, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 64:1-9)

The Lord having hidden his face, Isaiah pleads for him to act mightily for those who wait for him. Many Israelites have taken the Lord’s silence as occasion to sin: indeed, all have done so. The prophet asks for mercy because they are God’s people, he is their father.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

The Psalmist, aware of the Lord’s displeasure with his people, asks him three times to shine his face upon them that they might be saved. They have suffered greatly but the Lord remains in their midst and will surely respond to their calls.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

Paul is thankful for the grace of God given to the Corinthians, as seen in their speech and knowledge. Indeed, they lack no spiritual gift as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus and assured of being strengthened to the end, made blameless by a faithful God.

Gospel (Mark 13:24-37)

Jesus variously encourages his disciples to be ready for his sudden return in great power and glory after a period of earth-shaking events. Occurring within a generation these should keep everyone alert, given that his words are more fixed than the cosmos itself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The people of God are called to wait expectantly for him in troubled times
• Faithfulness in a time of waiting
• Faithfulness in the silence of God
• Waiting is difficult and dangerous for faith
• When God finally acts it will be decisive and unmistakable
• God has provided what we need to remain faithful to the end