Advent, a season of anticipation and reflection, shares remarkable parallels with the Lenten period. It's a time when individuals yearn to deepen their spiritual connection, engaging in extra-contemplative practices and programs. At Hornsby Cathedral, we recognise the significance of this season, running an annual Advent program to guide and inspire our parishioners. This program is crafted to cater to the diverse needs of our community, providing a meaningful experience for those desiring a structured path or those with limited time – full details below.
There are numerous ways to elevate your spirituality during Advent and prepare for Christmas, including programs, retreats, apps, talks, and devotions. In line with the Cathedral’s Bible studies, you could also try a Bible Reading Challenge perfectly aligned with Advent. For instance, did you know that Luke’s Gospel comprises 24 chapters? This December, reading one chapter a day from December 1st will lead you to finish on Christmas Eve, covering the entire story of Jesus just in time for the celebration of His birth.
To aid you through Luke’s Advent Gospel Challenge, consider the following devotional questions:
- Chapter 1 - How does Zacharias’ response differ from Mary’s? And, How do we respond to God?
- Chapter 2 - How do we witness God working to fulfill prophecies concerning Jesus’s birth?
- Chapter 3 - Why does Luke trace Jesus’ genealogy? Compare this to Matthew and John's gospel openings.
- Chapter 4 - Why did the synagogue crowd respond to Jesus’ words with violence?
- Chapter 5 - How did the disciples respond to Jesus’s call? What motivated them?
- Chapter 6 - How do Jesus’s teachings differ from the world's teachings?
- Chapter 7 - What responses to Jesus’ ministry do we see in this chapter? And, what does Jesus’ parable reveal about these responses?
- Chapter 8 - Why does Luke spend considerable time recounting miracles of physical healing? What do these miracles illustrate about the Kingdom of Heaven?
- Chapter 9 - In what ways do we see people misunderstanding Jesus’s purpose and priorities?
- Chapter 10 - God revealed the truth “to infants” rather than “the wise and intelligent.” Why does God choose to work this way?
- Chapter 11 - What are the concerns of the Pharisees and lawyers? Does this lead them to follow or oppose Jesus?
- Chapter 12 - What does this chapter teach us about how believers are to live on Earth until Christ’s return?
- Chapter 13 - How is Jesus’ heart for the lost illustrated in this chapter?
- Chapter 14 - What are the costs of following Jesus? And what are the rewards?
- Chapter 15 - How does God feel about repentance?
- Chapter 16 - What is the significance of the end of the parable about Lazarus and the rich man?
- Chapter 17 - What can the stories of Noah (Gen. 6-8) and Lot (Gen. 19) teach us in relation to Christ’s second coming (v. 26-33)?
- Chapter 18 - How is God’s value system different from that of the world (v. 9-30)?
- Chapter 19 - What is Jesus’ attitude when He arrives in Jerusalem (v. 41-46)?
- Chapter 20 - How does Jesus respond to insincere questions?
- Chapter 21 - How did Jesus teach His followers to respond to persecution (v. 12-19), and how does this compare to His own persecution?
- Chapter 22 - Why was Jesus’ response to the Sanhedrin’s questioning so enraging to them (v. 70-71)?
- Chapter 23 - Similar to the events of His birth, what fulfilment of prophecies do we see in this account of Jesus’ death?
- Chapter 24 - How does the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection give us hope today?
Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas: Exploring Advent at the Cathedral
This year, we are excited to announce a special one-off free retreat at the Cathedral on December 13, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. This retreat offers a unique opportunity for participants to dive into the Advent themes of hope, faith, joy, and love under the guidance of our Seminarian, Rosan. Through prayer and private reflection, attendees will explore the essence of the Christian faith and the symbolism encapsulated in the Advent wreath.
Details for the Advent Retreat:
- When: Wednesday, December 13
- Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
- Where: Hornsby Cathedral
For more information on bible study at the Cathedral, reach out to the Parish office, https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/hornsby/contact/contact-us.