We know the birth of the Lord is an accomplished fact. What we do in Advent is prepare to celebrate his Incarnation—and thus our salvation—and to reflect on how Christ’s reign is still to be fulfilled.

It may come as a bit of a shock on a day devoted to celebrating the kingship of Christ to be confronted with Jesus on the cross. Yet that is the image scripture and the church offer for your contemplation. And contemplation it is.

What does Jesus’ return mean to you? It’s like the kingdom of God, isn’t it? Something we have with us now, but that will only come to fullness at a future date only God knows.

What difference does your faith in the Resurrection make in your daily life?

Scripture this week has a lot to do with the movements of God and the response of people. God can enter your life and the lives of those around you—this we know because the Creator crossed over into creation in an unprecedented way in Christ.

It’s easy to "believe the press” when you are regularly praised for your work. All of us in positions of respect and authority have to be on guard lest we end up like the boastful Pharisee in today’s gospel.

Persistence is underrated or overlooked as a spiritual virtue. It can make all the difference when we face difficult challenges.

Today’s gospel could be titled, “How soon they forget.”

How do you view the notion of “duty” in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed by duties, perhaps resentful at times because of all that is expected of you?

Most of us living in the developed world share more in common with the rich man than with Lazarus. We share some of the comfortable conditions that entrapped the rich man in callous disregard.