THE GOSPEL
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36Be vigilant at all times.
Jesus.
You came into our world with all its sorrows.
Keep us watchful for your presence
in the midst of our struggles.
Tell us again that your
love will triumph.
Make us vigilant. Put our hearts on alert.
Let us be aware of all the places
in our world where
you are,
in all beauty,
anywhere there is love,
in helping hands reaching out.
Come,
Lord Jesus, to all the dwellings
in our lives where
you are not
yet.
THE FIRST READING
Jeremiah 33:14-16
The days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will fulfill the promise.
We have
known the root of Jesse.
You have shown us the way to go.
But the road is crooked and the hills are high.
We know what you say but we cannot hear very well,
hear the moans of oppressed peoples,
the cries of the hungry children,
and the din of all
our wars.
As Judah yearned for
safety, so do we
wait for you,
O Lord.
Come
again with promises.
We long for healing and justice
THE SECOND READING
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
May the Lord make you increase and abound
in love for one another and for all.
Stretch us,
Lord.
We want to overflow
with love for one another and
for every person whom
we should ever
meet.
We want to be one family that shares
our earth, our riches and
our dreams
together.