2024/12/01 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

First Sunday of Advent

- Marta Stepniak, Dir. of Evangelization, Children’s & Leader Formation

Jeremiah 33:14-16 and 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 are the readings for the First Sunday of Advent. These readings set the tone for the Advent season, inviting us to reflect on themes of hope, preparation, and God’s faithfulness. As a 57-year-old woman and leader in the Catholic church, these scripture readings speak to me on a deeply personal and communal way, reminding me of God’s enduring promises and the call to grow in love and holiness.

Jeremiah 33:14-16: Jeremiah speaks of a promise: a righteous branch will spring forth, bringing justice and safety. In my years of ministry, I have seen how the promises of God take root in the most unexpected places. This passage reassures me that, no matter how long the wait or how uncertain the journey, God is faithful. At 57, I feel the weight of years of waiting—not just in my own life but in the lives of those I serve. Waiting for healing, waiting for peace, waiting for signs of hope in a broken world. Yet, this prophecy reminds me that Advent is about trusting in God's timing. Just as the righteous branch blossomed in Christ, God’s promises to us will also bear fruit. This truth energizes me as a leader. It’s my role to guide others in recognizing the small shoots of justice and righteousness in their own lives and communities. I am reminded to keep pointing toward hope, encouraging others to trust in God’s unfolding plan.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2: Paul’s letter challenges us to “increase and abound in love” and to strive for holiness. As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded of the dual call of Advent: to prepare our hearts for Christ and to live out His love in our actions. Being in leadership means striving to embody this love. It means listening patiently, serving humbly, and forgiving often. It means encouraging others to walk the path of holiness—not as a rigid rule but as an invitation to live fully in God’s presence. This is a journey I continue to walk myself, recognizing that holiness is not about perfection but about surrendering to God’s grace.

Paul’s words also challenge me to consider how I prepare others during Advent. Am I helping them deepen their love for one another and for God? Am I modeling a life of faith and perseverance? These questions stir within me a desire to lean even more into this season of preparation, both for myself and my community.

At this stage in my life, Advent feels less like a time of frantic preparation and more like a sacred pause. It is a time to sit with the promises of God, to reflect on the ways He calls me to grow, and to renew my commitment to leading others with love and humility. Jeremiah’s prophecy and Paul’s exhortation remind me that Advent is not just about waiting for Christ's birth; it is about preparing the way for His presence in our lives here and now. Whether through acts of love, moments of stillness, or guiding others on their faith journey, I feel called to help create space for Christ to enter the world once again.

As we enter the sacred season of Advent, I invite you to pause and reflect on the deeper meanings of this time. Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas Day—it’s about opening our hearts to God’s promises, growing in love and holiness, and being a witness to His presence in our lives and communities. The Scriptures from Jeremiah 33:14-16 and 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 offer us a beautiful opportunity to reflect on themes of hope, love, and preparation. To help guide your reflection, consider these questions:

  • How is God inviting you to trust in His promises during this season of waiting?

  • In what ways can you increase in love toward others and deepen your relationship with God?

  • What steps can you take to live a life of holiness, not as perfection, but as an openness to His grace?

  • How can you, in your own unique way, help prepare your family, friends, or community to encounter Christ anew this Christmas?

Let these questions be an invitation to quiet moments of prayer, journaling, or meaningful conversations with others. Whether you take time to reflect on them alone or share them in community, may they lead you closer to the heart of what Advent is truly about: the joy of anticipating Christ’s coming and the call to prepare the way for His love in our world. I encourage you to carve out space for reflection in these busy weeks, trusting that God will meet you where you are.

This Advent, my prayer is simple: May I be a faithful witness to God’s promises, a vessel of His love, and a guide toward His peace. May the people I serve find in me a reflection of the hope and holiness that we all await during this sacred season.

May this season fill your heart with peace, your spirit with love, and your life with a renewed sense of God’s presence.

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2024/11/24 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION