Be Vigilant and Pray: Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thes 3:12—4:2; Lk 21:25-28,34-36 (Adv 1/ C)

 

Be Vigilant and Pray

Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thes 3:12—4:2; Lk 21:25-28,34-36 (Adv 1/ C)

“Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice” 

(Divine Office)

 

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, also the first Sunday of the new liturgical year 2025. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin words “ad venire” meaning “to come to” and “adventus’ meaning “arrival” of a person of importance. Our importance is the second coming of Christ. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. In this season, we reflect and meditate upon the final coming of the Lord in glory to judge us and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. The key themes of the Advent season are (1) watchful waiting and (2) preparation. In this new liturgical year (Lectionary Cycle C), we reflect mainly upon the Gospel of Luke which was authored after the temple's destruction.

 

We have already reflected on how the primitive Christian communities were already expecting Jesus' second coming. Paul looked forward to the final coming of Jesus, which would happen at an unknown time. That’s why he advises us to live a holy life (1 Thess. 3:12).  This reminds us that our love should not be limited to only our friends but also should be for enemies, as the children of God are formed in his image and likeness.

 

Jesus warns us: “Watch at all times and pray (Lk 21:34). He does not want us to be caught unawares. He warns, “Be vigilant at all times and pray…”. At all times (Lk 21:36).  This is the right measure of love. This love-fidelity is not made because of “sometimes yes, sometimes no”. We are not here forever (Lk 21:26). His final coming is definite. He will re-create his world.  He will put an end to the exploitation of the poor and powerless. He will punish those who have turned the things of the world into their gods. He will make his presence known to those who hide themselves from him. Hatred, abuse of all forms, broken relationships, and indifference to human suffering, are part of the dark times of the world.  The dark time will come to an end, and the light of Christ will triumph.

 

Advent brings light. It demands that we ask ourselves where darkness has a hold in our lives. The transformation of the world from hatred to love is the work of the Christian. Maybe, we must be changed for me, for you, to be people of light, not darkness.  Maybe, we need to give ourselves a Christmas gift by destroying anything in our lives that does not radiate Christianity. St. Paul says, “Brothers and sisters: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and all, just as we have for you, to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones”.  Amen.

 

“He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead; his kingdom will have no end” (Divine Office)