Friday of the 1st Week of Advent

• First Reading – Isaiah 29:17-24: God promises renewal for Israel, where the humble will rejoice, and the evil will be cut off. His people will honor Him, and those who were lost will gain wisdom.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and protection, so I fear nothing. I seek to live in His presence and trust that I will see His goodness. Be strong and wait for Him.
• Gospel – Matthew 9:27-31: Two blind men asked Jesus for mercy. After confirming their faith, he healed them. Though Jesus told them not to tell anyone, they spread the news everywhere.

When he entered the house, the blind men approached him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?”

Matthew 9:28

On Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, the readings highlight God’s healing and restoring power. They show how Jesus brings sight and understanding to those who seek Him with faith and humility.

• Restoration of the lowly: Isaiah speaks of a time when the poor and humble will rejoice. This shows how God lifts up those who have been cast down.
• Healing of blindness: Jesus heals two blind men in the Gospel. This points to His power to give both physical and spiritual sight to those who trust in Him.
• God’s promise of renewal: Isaiah talks about the land becoming fertile and fruitful. This symbolizes how God renews the lives of His people, bringing new life and hope.
• Faith in God’s power: The blind men in the Gospel believe that Jesus can heal them. Their faith shows the importance of trusting in God’s ability to work miracles.
• Joy in the Lord: Isaiah mentions how the people will rejoice in the Lord. This reminds us that true joy comes from recognizing God’s work in our lives.
• God’s justice for all: Both the first reading and Gospel show that God’s mercy and justice are for everyone, not just a select few. The humble and faithful are promised healing and restoration.

As we reflect on these themes, we are reminded of the healing power of Jesus and the renewal God offers to those who have faith. In this Advent season, we are called to open our hearts and trust in God’s promises.

On Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, the readings focus on God’s healing power, His mercy, and His ability to renew and restore. Through the words of Isaiah and the actions of Jesus, we see that God offers new life, healing, and justice to all who trust in Him. These reflections invite us to open our hearts to the ways God wants to work in our lives during this Advent season.

God Brings New Life and Hope

On Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, Isaiah talks about the land becoming fertile and fruitful. This is a beautiful image of how God renews His people. When we feel dry or empty in life, God can make us grow again. He brings new life into places that seem barren.

Just as the land can be renewed, our lives can be renewed too. Even when we face hardships or feel distant from God, He can give us new hope. It is important to trust that God has the power to make all things new. During Advent, we are invited to open our hearts to this renewal.

This theme reminds us to be patient and trust in God’s timing. We may not always see the changes right away, but God is always working in our lives. He wants to bring us new growth and blessings if we place our trust in Him.

Healing for the Blind and Broken

On Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, Jesus heals two blind men. This healing is more than just a miracle for their eyes. It shows that Jesus can heal both our physical needs and our spiritual needs. He offers healing for those who trust in Him.

The blind men could not see, but they had faith in Jesus. This teaches us that we do not need to understand everything perfectly to trust in God. Even when we feel unsure or afraid, we can come to Jesus with our needs. He is always ready to help us.

This story also reminds us that spiritual blindness can affect any of us. We may not always see clearly how God is working in our lives. When we ask Jesus for help, He can open our eyes to His love and His plan for us. Healing is available for all who seek it with faith.

God’s Mercy for Everyone

On Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, both readings highlight God’s mercy and justice. Isaiah speaks of a time when the poor and humble will be lifted up. In the Gospel, Jesus heals the blind men who come to Him in faith. These readings remind us that God’s mercy is for everyone, not just a few.

God does not look at social status or wealth. He cares about our hearts. Those who are humble and open to Him will experience His mercy. This is a powerful reminder that no one is forgotten by God. He offers His love and healing to all.

The season of Advent is a time to reflect on God’s mercy and justice. We are invited to be like the blind men, coming to Jesus with faith and humility. When we trust in Him, we find healing and restoration. God’s mercy is always available to those who seek Him.

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As we reflect on the themes of Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, we are reminded that God’s mercy and healing are always within reach. He brings new life and hope to those who turn to Him with faith. Advent is a time to trust in His power to restore and renew every part of our lives.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and healing. Help us trust in Your power to renew our lives, even when we feel weak or broken. Open our eyes to see Your love at work and strengthen our faith in You. Guide us to walk humbly and seek Your justice. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I open my heart to the new life and hope God offers during Advent?
• In what areas of my life do I need healing, physically or spiritually?
• How does the story of the blind men challenge me to trust in Jesus’ power to heal?
• What does it mean for me to seek God’s mercy and justice in my everyday life?

USCCB Reflection: A Call for Change and Faith

In the USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 1st Week of Advent, Deacon Bernard Nojadera reflects on the need for change and faith. He emphasizes that Advent is a time for preparing our hearts for transformation. Drawing from Isaiah and Matthew, Deacon Nojadera highlights how God can bring change if we trust in Him. He challenges us to examine our routines and habits, asking if we are truly living with purpose and faith, just like the blind men in the Gospel who boldly cried out for healing.

What date is Friday of the 1st Week of Advent?

The next date is Friday December 6, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Advent?

The Mass readings for Friday December 6, 2024 are:
First Reading  – Isaiah 29:17-24: The Lord’s Promise of Renewal
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord Is My Light
Gospel – Matthew 9:27-31: Healing of Two Blind Men

How can we apply the message of renewal from the first reading for Friday of the 1st Week of Advent?

Isaiah talks about God making things new and fruitful. We can apply this by trusting that God can bring new life and hope into our lives, even when things seem difficult. We should look to God for strength in tough times.

What does it mean that the lowly will be lifted up?

The reading from Isaiah shows that God cares for those who are poor or humble. It reminds us to be humble and trust in God’s plan. God will raise us up when we rely on Him.

What does the first reading teach about God’s justice?

Isaiah speaks about God’s justice for the poor and humble. This shows that God does not forget anyone and will bring fairness to all. We are called to trust in His justice.

What does the healing of the blind men mean for us on Friday of the 1st Week of Advent?

The healing shows how Jesus cares for those who are suffering. It also reminds us that Jesus has the power to heal us, not just physically, but spiritually too. We can come to Him with faith and trust.

Why is faith important?

The blind men believed Jesus could heal them, and their faith brought about the healing. This teaches us that trusting in God’s power is important. We must have faith that He can help us in our struggles.

How can we find joy in the readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Advent?

The readings tell us that the people will rejoice in God’s goodness. We find joy when we see how God is working in our lives. It also encourages us to be thankful for the blessings God gives us.

How does Friday of the 1st Week of Advent show us God’s mercy?

Both readings highlight how God has mercy on those who are struggling or in need of healing. The blind men receive mercy when Jesus heals them. This reminds us that God is kind and ready to forgive and heal us.