Readings: Jer. 33:14-16, 1Thes. 3:12-4:2, and Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36.
“We Await the Coming of the Savior at Advent.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
1. Happy New Year to everyone seated in this Church today. We have moved from the liturgical year B to C today and thus this First Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the new year in the Church’s Calendar. This is the Season of Advent, and a few things characterized this Season. They are:
i) The Liturgical Color is Purple: Purple is used in anticipation, in expectancy. In pleading for mercy/forgiveness and in penitential rites (fasting/penance). As in Advent, so shall we use it in Lent, in the confessional, at the anointing of the sick, and when in need of mercy or when asking for mercy or pardon etc.
ii) No Singing of Glory: This is because Glory is a song of joy that indicates the coming and the presence of Christ already among his people; but given the awaiting nature the season portrays, the readings from the OT during this Season, will indicate the promises that were made prior to the coming of Christ, (as Jeremiah’s hearers in the first reading today are waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises) and make us reflect and situate ourselves at the time prior to his coming thus reserving the song of joy, Gloria, at Christmas and thereafter.
iii) Cut down on Church Decoration: we avoid excessive flowers and decorations in our churches, preparing to have them at best at Christmas and Christmas Season.
iv) Cut down on all Other Celebrations: The Church teaches that we should cut down on the pomp and magnitude on all celebrations during the Advent Season. This also holds good for Lenten Season. This includes such celebrations as Marriages, Death celebrations, Birthday celebrations etc. The spirit of expectancy and the gloomy nature of the Season should characterize our celebrations during this Season of Advent. We need to take note of this because this practice has escaped the grasp of many Christians of today. If you must have the celebration, cut down on the pomp of it to ensure that the spirit of the season is observed.
2. This is Advent Season, during which we are reminded of the threefold coming of our Savior Jesus Christ:
i) Jesus Came to us in History: it is a historical fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Advent reminds us of this historical fact that the Son of God took human form – was borne, he lived among us, taught us and died that we might live forever. His birthday anniversary will be on December 25th, 2024.
ii) Jesus Lives Among us: We meet Jesus in the Word of God. (In our first reading today, the prophet Jeremiah is promising us of the Son who would come through the family of David); in the celebration of the Eucharist (we recognize him in the assembled community, in the words of God, in the sacred species of Bread and Wine, and in the Presiding minister, the priest). Advent thus reminds us of our daily encounters with the Savior, Jesus Christ.
iii) Jesus Will Come Again in Glory: Advent equally reminds us that Jesus will come again. The glorious coming of the Savior. The world we live in will come to an end. He will come in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end (this reminds us of the individual judgement and general judgement that awaits us all). The reason for which we are cautioned to live responsibly for we will give an account of the lives God has freely and lovingly given us.
3. What are the expectations from a Christian during Advent and then always?
i) Pray more fervently and if possible, attend Masses daily. If not daily, add another weekday to your Sunday regular Mass attendance. Through prayer we receive the grace to act properly and promptly.
ii) Good Confession: Reconcile with God and with one another. God expects us to live as a family and not as rugged individuals. Learn to tolerate others, accept them and let go of the hurt from them.
iii) Love of neighbor as recommended by St. Paul in the 2nd reading today as he tells the Thessalonians to strengthen their hearts, to increase and abound in love for one another and for all. Practically, this is done or shown through the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy. Corporal works of mercy includes feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless poor, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. And the Spiritual works of mercy includes instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving and bearing wrong patiently. All these lead us to detachment from the things of this world so that we will be ready to leave them behind when the time comes.
iv) Intensify or improve in the reading of the Scriptures and Spiritual books. Allow the word of God to nourish you. Etc.
4. When all these are done, we would have prepared well for the birth anniversary of Christ at Christmas and for the Lord’s final coming at the end time in keeping with the guiding words from the gospel text today; “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap… Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man”. We might not readily think of our busy days as drawing us away from Christ for we must remember to pray, to show mercy and compassion to others, to be present to those who need and depend upon us within the busy daily schedule. Let us be ready for with this we are disposed to meet Christ when he comes. May God grant us the grace. To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Anthony D. Lawir,
Pastor, St. Agnes and Our Lady of Snows Parishes, Pittsfield and Dexter.