Readings: Jer. 33:14-16; 1 Thess 3:12-4:2; Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36
Be Prepared; Be Alert.
1. I find the gospel reading of this first Sunday of Advent fascinating. Jesus said: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” In a nutshell, we should not allow these signs and cosmic upheaval to distract us from our Lord. We must, therefore, be prepared for Christ and see death as a welcome passage to everlasting life.
2. There is much happening in the world that is enough to frighten the daylight out of us. There is so much violence, anger, greed, hatred, corruption, and complete disregard for human life. We read and watched with great anxiety, revolutions, insurrections, religious conflicts and persecution, the reckless killing of Christians in different parts of the world that make us wonder if the end of the world is at hand. We watch with anticipation how prices of foodstuff continue to skyrocket, and the pump price of gas is always on the increase, and we wonder if we will have enough to see us through the month with our stagnated income. We worry about our future and that of our children. We often wonder if God is still with us. Three weeks ago, we reflected on the theme that you never live well if you are afraid of death. That is the truth!
3. Let us not forget that the Jews lived through a period not entirely different from our own. They, too, had their share of suffering, pains, persecution, destruction, and intimidation during the Babylonian exile. It was the worst time of their lives. Jeremiah lived through this period, too; he witnessed both the destruction of Jerusalem and the sacred temple, their pride, and the sign of God’s presence for them. He lived through this horrendous period, but his hope in God was so strong that he prophesied that God was still with his people. He reminded them that God “will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days, Judah shall be safe, and Jerusalem shall dwell secure.” As God was with his people in the past, he would indeed protect his people now. Therefore, there is no reason to be afraid. Christians should be alert, hold their heads high and welcome the Lord whenever he comes to take them home.
4. Advent is a period of waiting anxiously for the coming of the Messiah at his birth. During the four weeks of Advent, we stay in hope and not in fear. For the Lord comes to rule the earth and render justice to those unjustly oppressed. At Advent, the Church also anticipates the second coming of Christ when he comes to judge the world with righteousness. St Peter tells us what to do while we wait. “Therefore, beloved, since you await these things be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.” (2Peter 3:14). Therefore, a Christian must always be prepared to meet the Lord. “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.” (Lk 12:37).
5. The four weeks of Advent are penitential days that should aid us in preparing for the Lord. We are not to worry about material preparation for the birth of Christ, as important as that may be. The Lord comes for our hearts, and he wants to dwell in our souls. Let us be men and women of prayer. You have heard me talk about this almost every Sunday. We cannot profess to be good Christians if we do not have a healthy prayer life. We must be regimental when it comes to praying. Find a suitable time for your daily prayer and work it into your schedule. Do you pray as a family? Does your child find you praying at different times during the day? Have you taught them to pray on their own, apart from praying together? What about the rosary? Do you pray together? Teach them the importance of praying the rosary and make it desirable for them to pray with you or on their own. What about your sacramental life? We should go to confession at least two times a year, if not frequently. Advent and Lent are the best times to purify our hearts through the sacrament of reconciliation.
6. Advent also reminds us to be engaged in sporadic acts of kindness. It reminds us to love one another with sincere Christian love. St. Peter says this about love: “The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one another be intense because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1Peter 4:7-10). Do not forget to give in charity since Advent anticipates the outpouring of God’s love on humanity. Christ is God’s love for us. We must show the world that we belong to God by the way we love. Spend time and listen to God speak to you through his Word. Read John’s Gospel, a chapter each day of Advent. May God bless and guide us as we begin this new liturgical year of God’s blessings on humanity. Amen.
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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