Happy and Blessed New Liturgical Year 2026!
Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Church. The word Advent means “coming.” This season centers on the Coming of the Kingdom of God and God’s coming to us through the Incarnation of Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
The liturgical color for Advent is violet. While Advent calls us to prepare through penance, its primary focus is joyful expectation that God will fulfill His promises. Waiting is the key activity of this season. We all wait in life—sometimes with joy, frustration, acceptance, or resentment. When we wait for God to act, we are confident that God will keep His promises, even if it takes time.
Two Parts of Advent
Advent has two distinct parts:
- Today through December 17: The focus is on the Second Coming of Christ, the arrival of the Kingdom of God, the end of the world as we know it, and the establishment of God’s reign.
- December 17 through Christmas: The focus shifts to the Incarnation of God among us in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the Kingdom of God among us.
In fact, it is Jesus who is the Kingdom of God among us. The Kingdom of God among us will be characterized by peace. In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we read:
“In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain… all nations will stream toward it… they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
This promise of peace is given to a people amid war, rebellion, and frustration. Who among us does not long for peace in the world and in our hearts and minds? This fullness of peace is promised to us.
A Christian View of History
The second reading reminds us that the end of time is nearer than we once believed. Christian history is like a spiral: although we relive the Mystery of Christ Jesus in yearly celebrations, we are moving through time—from the Incarnation toward the return of Christ.
Christ is the Alpha (the beginning) and the Omega (the end) of our history, and we are moving toward our Omega point. The Letter to the Romans tells us:
“You know the time… for our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
Thus, if this is true that Christ is near at hand, the letter urges us to live as people of the gospel. How do you prepare to meet God? How do you know the time of your own end?
The Gospel tells us that the Lord may return at the time we least expect. In short, be prepared.
We believe in the Resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. (The Creed)
Come, Lord Jesus, set us free.
Monsignor Guy A. Massie
November 30, 2025
Readings for the First Sunday in Advent