Today’s readings invite us to look at where God chooses to dwell.

God becoming human casts new light on our own identity.

The theme of vigilance is being struck again this week. It’s good to become alert and aware of what’s percolating inside at this turbulent time of endings and new beginnings.

As Advent begins, moments of inner preparation are important. Give yourself enough undistracted time to focus on how these Advent readings speak to your heart. Light a candle (perhaps the Advent wreath).

It’s no accident that when Jesus was born he was placed in a food trough. He was sent to feed a hungry world. We awake each morning with spiritual and emotional hungers and thirsts.

We enter into a time of reckoning of sorts. The readings for this Sunday extol the fruits of a life of wisdom, issue a call to live awake and in the light, and warn us with the parable of the talents.

This week we explore sacred precincts. The sacred is not remote and disconnected from us. We are watered by its springs that bring new life in abundance.

Today’s reading for All Soul’s Day cuts to the core of our faith with a very reassuring message. No one who is given to Jesus will be lost. Do I feel lost at times? How do I get lost?

Today’s message on the greatest commandment raises a question: Let’s assume for the moment that as a pastoral minister your “love of God” is well grounded. That being the case, which of the remaining is the more difficult for you: love of neighbor or love of self?

Jesus snares the Pharisees in their own trap in today’s gospel with his brilliant teaching to “render unto Caesar . . . . ” Their hypocrisy is revealed for all to see.