Words of Spirit and Life

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 24 (25): 4-5. 8-9. 10. 14. R. v. 1; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 Luke 21:25-28. 34-36

Theme: ADVENT IS A TIME WHEN WE PREPARE FOR THE COMING OF

 JESUS CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS AND AT THE END OF TIME

1. Today is the first Sunday of Advent in the new Liturgical Year C. Advent is a time when we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of time. The word Advent means coming. Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ continues to come every Christmas, and Jesus Christ will come again at the end of time.

    Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago, and Jesus Christ continues to come every Christmas, and that is why we are sure Jesus Christ will come again at the end of time! Jesus Christ came in Memory two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ continues to come in Mystery every Christmas, and Jesus Christ will come again at the end of time in Majesty!

    The word Christ-mas comes from two words “Christ’s” and “Mass”. (Raas) The Mass is the sacrament of sacraments! The word sacrament in Greek and in Latin means mystery. Jesus Christ continues to come to us every Christ-mas in mystery!

    Advent is a time when we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of time. The readings today tell us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of time.  

    The gospel today tells us that Jesus Christ will come in a cloud with power and glory. More importantly, the gospel today tells us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ by watching ourselves so that our hearts will not be hardened by self-indulgence, pleasure and drunkenness, and the cares of the world. The gospel also tells us to stay awake, that is, to be vigilant and to pray always.  

    Repentance is not only turning away from sin, but it is also turning away from the world, and turning to God, and not only to any God, but to the God of love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation, the God of Jesus Christ! In him we find the love, life, and happiness that we are looking for. If we only turn away from sin without turning away from the world and turning to Jesus Christ, we will turn back to sin!

2. The first reading follows the theme of the gospel. The first reading tells us that the Lord will come to save Judah and Israel and the whole world! This prophesy of Jeremiah is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Thus we read in the first reading:

    “In those days and at that time, I shall make an upright Branch grow for David, who will do what is just and upright in the country. In those days Judah will triumph and Israel live in safety. And this is the name the city will be called: Yahweh-is-our-Saving-Justice.” (Jer 33:15-16/NJB)  

3. The responsorial psalm follows the theme of the first reading. The responsorial psalm is a “prayer for guidance and for deliverance”. (HCSB) Thus the response of the responsorial psalm:

    “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” (Ps 24 (25): 1/SM)

    The responsorial psalm has three stanzas. The first stanza is a prayer for guidance and for deliverance. (Ps 24 (25): 4-5) The second and third stanzas affirm the goodness and faithfulness of God. (Ps 24 (25): 8-9. 10. 14) God is good and faithful, that is why we pray to him for guidance and deliverance. (HCSB)

4. Finally, the second reading tells us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ by living holy lives, that is, lives without sin; and by loving our neighbor and loving all peoples. Thus we read in the second reading:

    “May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.” (1 Th 3:12-13)

5. Today in the Eucharist we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and we eat his body and drink his blood and the Risen Lord will give us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will help us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of time.

    The Holy Spirit will help us watch ourselves so that our hearts will not be hardened by self-indulgence, pleasure, drunkenness, and the cares of this world. The Holy Spirit will help us to “stay awake”, to be vigilant and to pray always. The Holy Spirit will help us to pray for guidance and deliverance. And the Holy Spirit will help us live holy lives without sin, and to love our neighbor and to love all peoples.

Amen!

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