Readings: Jer. 33:14-16; 1 Thess
3:12-4:2; Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36
Christ will Come Again
to Take us Home!
1. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation for the second coming of Christ. “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.” This reading reminds us that amidst the chaos, uncertainty, signs, and cosmic upheaval, we should not be distracted but prepare for Christ’s second coming.
2. Much is happening in the world that causes us to be afraid and frustrated. There is so much violence, anger, greed, hatred, corruption, and complete disregard for human life. We are perplexed by the revolutions, insurrections, religious conflicts, persecution, and the reckless killing of Christians in different parts of the world. It makes us wonder if the end is near. The unrest in the Middle East, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and the constant bombardment and launching of missiles between Israel and Palestinians, the killing of Hezbollah and Israelis are becoming worrisome, inflicting fear and anxiety on mankind. We watch with anticipation how foodstuff prices continue to go up, the gas pump price is constantly increasing, and we wonder what the future will look like. We worry about our children and what the future holds for them. We wonder if God is still with us.
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, pain, persecution, destruction, and intimidation during the
Babylonian exile. It was the worst time of their lives. Jeremiah lived and
preached during this period, too; he witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and
the sacred temple, their pride, and the sign of God’s presence for them. He saw
that horrendous period, but his hope was undaunted. He prophesied 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 time of waiting with hopeful
anticipation for the coming of the Messiah at his birth. During the four weeks
of Advent, we hope, not 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.” (2 Peter 3:14). We must 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 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 wants to dwell in our souls. Let us be men and women
of prayer. We cannot profess to be Christians if we do not have a healthy
prayer life. Be sure to keep the divine appointment with the Lord. Pray with
your family. Has your child found you praying alone during the day? Have you
taught them to pray independently, apart from praying together? Pray the rosary
as a family. 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 twice 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 it better: “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 for 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 the Bible. 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.