Daily Prayer: a resource of Forward Movement

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for November 29, 2020

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SUNDAY, November 29 Advent 1

Mark 13:35-37 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake!

Here we are, crossing the threshold of Advent—a season designated for holy waiting. We mark the time until Jesus’ birth with study, prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. We keep awake, trimming the wicks in our lamps and making sure to bring extra oil.

We are surrounded by Santas and trees and carols—we live this season in the already, not yet. How do we keep our spirits in Advent while our world has jumped straight to the end of the story, while heaven and nature sing? How do we keep awake to the starkness of waiting? As the days lengthen, let us seek out the hush of the season. In our waiting, let us prepare room in our hearts for the babe in a manger, born to change the world he created.

MOVING FORWARD: Consider making a donation of diapers and wipes to your local emergency shelter.

PRAY for the Lusitanian Church (Portugal)

Ps 80:1-7,16-18 | Isaiah 64:1-9 | 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 | Mark 13:24-37