Gospel Summary
Exactly what will happen with the moon and stars and sun, is not known, but this Gospel makes clear that we will recognize some cosmic change when Jesus returns. The Gospel encourages us to not be afraid but to be ready. Specifically, Jesus told his listeners not to get caught up in the busyness of everyday living and all of its distractions. By the time Luke wrote for his community, it was clear that Jesus' return would not be immediate. The message Mark wanted people to understand, though, was one of hopeÑbut also to remain in a state of readiness.

Reflection for Families
Children look to their parents to set the pace not only for certain seasons of the year, but for our lifestyles. Parents often load their plates to overfilling and race from one responsibility to the next balancing jobs, homes, and families. Many teens and young adults who have just emerged from a childhood in these frantic homes have decided clearly that this is not the way they want to raise their own families. Most likely these will be the new, young parents who help their children prepare for Jesus' return in a thoughtful and prayerful way. This is probably the most important season where parents can show their children by our own actions, what is truly important to us and how we accept the Gospel message of our Savior.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Beginning with this first Sunday of Advent, make a promise as a family to live the message of this Gospel. Clearly, we are cautioned not to get caught up with the busyness of ordinary lifeÐthe chores, the eating and drinking. As a family, think of ways you can slow the pace and take the focus off the ÒdoingÓ and ÒgettingÓ and concentrate on ÒbeingÓ and Ògiving.Ó You might decide to make more time for family prayer, reach out to someone who has lost hope at this Christmas season, or begin a new tradition that helps you prepare for Jesus' return.

Discussion Starters

1. One new thing I will do this Advent season to prepare for Jesus' return is ...
2. Sometimes, things in my life fall apart just like the Gospel says will happen to the world before Jesus comes. When things start getting chaotic for me, I ...
3. The one person who has helped me slow my life down is ...

Connecting to Faith First©Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Kindergarten, page 159
Grade 1, page 239 parish and page 349 school, and chapter 10
Grade 2, page 239 parish and page 349 school
Grade 3, page 239 parish and page 349 school, and chapter 11
Grade 4, page 239 parish and page 349 school
Grade 5, page 239 parish and page 349 school
Grade 6, page 239 parish and page 349 school

Connecting to Faith First©
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Kindergarten, page 159
Grade 1, chapter 10 and page 226
Grade 2, page 278
Grade 3, page 278
Grade 4, page 278
Grade 5, page 278
Grade 6, page 278
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, page 309
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, page 309