Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent
November 29, 2026 · Mark 13:33-37
Stay awake
Advent begins, the time of waiting for Christmas. Jesus asks us to stay awake and be ready for his coming. Mark 13:33-37
Liturgical color: violet
This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words
Jesus asked his disciples to be alert, to watch, and to pray, because they do not know when the time will come. Mark 13:33
He compared it to a man who went on a journey and left his house in the care of his servants. Mark 13:34
He gave each one a task, and he ordered the gatekeeper to keep watch. Mark 13:34
No one knows when the lord of the house will come back: in the evening, at midnight, at cockcrow, or in the morning. Mark 13:35
Jesus asked that, if the lord of the house comes suddenly, he not find them sleeping. Mark 13:36
He ended by saying that this was not only for them: he was asking everyone to watch. Mark 13:37
What the Bible says
Mark 13:33-37
33Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is. 34Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,) 36Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping. 37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
The other readings at Mass
First Reading
The people ask God to come back and come down from heaven. God is their Father, and they are clay in his hands. Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2b-7
Responsorial Psalm
We ask God, the shepherd of his people, to stir up his power and come to save us. Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Second Reading
Paul gives thanks because God filled the Christians in Corinth with gifts while they wait for the coming of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org
What the Church teaches
Advent
The Church lives the waiting for the Messiah. She remembers his first coming and longs for his second coming.
Catechism 524
The Advent wreath
In many homes, one more candle is lit each Sunday. This Sunday the first one is lit.
Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 98
The color violet
In Advent the priest wears violet, the color of preparation and waiting.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346
To read with your children
Jesus asked us to stay awake and to pray. Mark 13:33
A man went on a trip and left his house. Mark 13:34
He asked the gatekeeper to watch the door. Mark 13:34
No one knew what time he was coming back. Mark 13:35
In Advent we get our hearts ready to welcome Jesus.
To talk about as a family
- The gatekeeper had to stay awake. What helps us stay attentive to God?
- What can we get ready at home as we wait for Christmas?
- For the child: when you are waiting for a birthday, what do you get ready?
This week
This week, make your Advent wreath together. Each night, light the candle and pray together for a moment.
To pray
Lord Jesus, we want to wait for you with open eyes. Prepare our hearts this Advent, and help us to watch and pray as Christmas draws near. Amen.