During the Middle Ages and for several centuries thereafter, this Sunday wasconsidered the First Sunday of Advent. Popularly called St. Martin’s Lent, theseason began on November 11, the feast of St. Martin and lasted until Christmas Eve which was a day of fast and abstinence. Thus, Advent was 40days long and was chiefly a penitential season that paralleled Lent. As timeprogressed, however, Advent was shortened until it took its present form that is familiar to us at present—4 weeks.

In the Church’s present liturgy, there are vestiges of this mindset, even though we are still in Ordinary Time. These vestiges are seen chiefly in the Scripture for the Masses for this Sunday. The theme of these readings is what is called apocalyptic. This means that they tell us what will happen on the day of the Lord’s coming. These readings generally appear in prophecy, parable, and Jesus’ words.

This particular Sunday, we hear from the prophet Malachi and the Gospel of St. Luke. Both messages shake us out of our slumber of “business as usual” to warn us that the end of the world as we know it is nearer than we think, with differing results of those who are in right relationship with God and those who give little or no thought to such a relationship. While it is true that those who follow Jesus and love God above all else often get the proverbial "short end of the stick", a great award awaits them in the afterlife. It is our relationship with God that provides eternal benefits, while the things we value as the world does always comes to an end.

As we prepare for “the holidays”, we aim to accomplish much so that they are as memorable and perfect as we can make them. As Christians, our greatest holiday is when we meet Jesus. How can we prepare spiritually for this holiday? Pay attention to the signs of Jesus’s presence around you. They are everywhere if you just look a little better, particularly in those around you.  Take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially if you suffer from an addiction. Jesus wants to come and help. And lastly, forgive old grudges because these cloud the light of Jesus’ presence in our lives.