Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We are excited and looking forward to preparing for this Advent, which requires intense prayer and penance, for we are warned, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from … the anxieties of daily life….” (v.34) We have to give ourselves time to reflect and deeply process our thoughts about the meaning of Advent. The word Advent, from the Latin word “Adventus,” means coming. We know that what we are preparing for is the “Coming,” which is not solely the remembrance of the coming of Jesus but our coming back to Him with a profound connection to the nativity of the Lord.
The liturgical readings on this first week of Advent give us HOPE. You have seen the symbolism of lighting the first candle of the Advent wreath to set our minds that God will certainly fulfill His promise to us. The first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah narrates to us about the experience of the chosen people when they were affected by the devastation of war, and they grieved for the loss of their leaders. When their enemies took their leaders away from them, they were unsure of their future. However, the prophet Jeremiah compares their own struggle to that of a barren land, a tiny shoot, a small sign of life that will appear on a lifeless stump and yet have a future to rise thru the shoot of David. This is a voice of encouragement for the chosen people of Israel. God, thru the prophet, continues to announce His promise that is not impossible because He cannot deceive His people.
The second reading, taken from the first letter to the Thessalonians, speaks to us about St. Paul’s call to prayer so that the community will grow in their love for each other. Thus, they must conduct themselves accordingly by living out Paul’s instruction. Just as St. Paul wants the Thessalonians to persevere in their prayer, we too are being asked in this season of Advent to do the same, almost as a warning, for us to be better disciples of the Lord.
The gospel today, taken from St. Luke, is very hard to understand because of the many symbolisms and signs that we must comprehend. Our deep prayer and reflection will definitely lead us by the Holy Spirit to grasp its meaning.
First, when we speak about the glory of God’s coming, we imagine that everybody seems to be trembling in fear. Indeed, Jesus’ coming would be a magnificent event and the passing of this world becomes dramatic; however, Jesus wants us to be calmed by listening to Him. We focus on raising our hearts and minds with much anticipation, but for those who are not paying much attention, instead of enjoying they succumb to fear and anxieties in life.
Second, in the context of the gospel, Jesus wants us to simply be attentive to His warnings. This gospel pericope does not say it would be the end of the world. Our attention to Jesus might be ruined by what is happening around us, like chaos, disorder and absorption of all kinds of noise. It is more appropriate to focus on Jesus to understand the signs and warnings. It must be intensified by integrating our moral values and actions which conform to Him.
Third, this pericope of the gospel doesn’t reveal the end of the world per se; however, we are often instructed to be vigilant and be attentive in watching what’s going on around us and in the world. The right attitude towards our life’s journey would be trusting in God’s promise.
May these readings inspire us with God’s grace according to right living and faith as we await His coming to be real. Our way of overcoming fear and anxiety comes from having to let go of knowing exactly how and where we are to stand before the Son of God. How can I live a life of total trust in the Lord? Am I confused and becoming afraid? Do I really accept that God accompanies me in my daily life, helping me feel secure and safe?
Let us pray that we grow in the enjoyment of Advent, not being left behind and lost. If we neglect to grasp the true meaning of this season, then we might not simply appreciate the significance of Christmas.
God bless you,
Fr. Arlon, osa
