First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Reflection:
The Prophet Jeremiah here speaks of a time of fulfillment promised by the Lord. At this time, a descendent of King David will come forth to restore justice. This “just shoot” will bring fulfillment and peace to the people of Israel. These promises were fulfilled in Jesus, who is the descendent of David and who reigns as the King of Kings. As we enter the season of Advent, we are preparing to celebrate this fulfillment that came about at the Incarnation, when God took on flesh and dwelt among us.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Reflection:
This Sunday we begin the Advent season and a new liturgical year. Advent is a time of preparation. In fact, the word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” The name tells us what the season is about. It is a preparation for the “coming” of Jesus at Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus—the first coming of Jesus. Advent is also a preparation time for the “second coming” of Jesus at the end of time. Jesus will one day “come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,” as we profess in the Nicene Creed each Sunday. Advent is a time to be reminded of that fact and prepare. Thus, we see the theme of the end times and the return of Jesus in the Advent readings. We will especially see this in the gospel reading. The second reading also references the Second Coming of Jesus. The Apostle Paul calls us to “be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.” The way to prepare for Jesus’ return, therefore, is to grow in holiness. This means conforming our lives more and more to the will of God. It means growing in love, for the Apostle Paul’s prayer is that we would “increase and abound in love.” The more we grow in love, the more we grow in holiness, for God is love. Love is an action. It involves willing the good of others and obeying God’s commands. The Christian life is really all about love, as properly understood. Thus, to prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming, along with preparing to celebrate His first coming at Christmas, let us all seek to love God and others more faithfully this Advent.
Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Reflection:
This Advent we begin Cycle C of the Mass readings, which focuses on the Gospel of Luke. In this Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus Himself calls us to prepare for His Second Coming. He uses Old Testament imagery, borrowed from the Prophets, indicating that cataclysmic events will surround His return. He describes His return in the language of the Prophet Daniel when saying “they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Jesus exhorts His followers to be prepared, remaining awake and “vigilant,” in order to not be caught by surprise when Jesus returns. If we are prepared, the return of Christ will be a joyous day, for on that day our “redemption is at hand.” Therefore, the Second Coming is something to look forward to. If we are, however, unprepared, then Jesus’ return will catch us like a “trap.” It will be the cause of great fear, for it will be the day of our judgment. Therefore, let us not be found “drowsy” in our faith. Let us not be caught up in the “anxieties of daily life.” Rather, let us focus our lives on what really matters: knowing, loving, and serving God. This is all that will matter in the end anyways.
Application:
- Are you prepared to meet the Lord? If He were to return today, would He find you ready? We will all meet the Lord one day, whether at our death or at His Second Coming. What needs to change in your life for you to be ready for that encounter? Take steps this Advent to make those changes, asking God for the grace to do so.
- The Apostle Paul in the second reading invites us to “increase and abound in love.” In what areas of your life do you need to be more loving? Is it with your spouse, your children, your co-workers, your in-laws, or maybe acquaintances and strangers? In what ways do you need to grow in love of God? Take action this Advent to grow in love.
