Today is Monday of the First Week of Advent.
In Catholic history: Deaths of Pope Leo X (1521) and Pope Pius VIII (1830).
Mass Readings: Yesterday | Today | Next Sunday
Pope Benedict's Intentions for December:
General: That in the face of a spreading of a culture of violence and death the Church through her apostolic and missionary activity may promote with courage the culture of life.
Missionary: That especially in mission countries Christians may show with acts of fraternal love that the Child born in the stable at Bethlehem is the luminous Hope of the world.
Classroom Ideas:
- Introduce the season. Remind the students that Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas but also to prepare us for the Second Coming of Jesus. Yesterday's Gospel is a great place to start a discussion of this important focus.
- Use this reflection to help students internalize this idea and apply it to their own lives. This is from Rocco Palmo's blog, Whispers in the Loggia. He is beginning a new series in which he posts a homily from different priests for each Sunday and holy day of obligation. This week's is well worth using because of its images and its very clear theme.
- Play the short overview of Advent podcast from the Bible Geek at LifeTeen. It's only 4:20.
