Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 24:37–44

It seems peculiar, perhaps, to think of death in the days leading up to Christmas. Isn't this the time for coziness and merriment, for joyful preparation, and nostalgic hymns, wrapping paper, ribbons, stockings, cookies, and an enjoyable sense of frenziedness? And yet, on this First Sunday of Advent, the Church urges us to reflect on the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. 

The beauty and wonder of Advent, I believe, lie in ...