HOMILY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A
BY: REV. FR. JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: GETTING READY FOR THE SON OF MAN
INTRODUCTION
The season of advent is here again when we get ready for the coming of the Son of Man; our Lord Jesus Christ. This coming of Christ that we await is more of a commemoration, or an anniversary of Christ’s initial entry into human history over 2000 years ago to redeem them. Even though; it is a form of commemoration, yet our attention is being drawn to the second and final coming of the Son of Man as judge of all things, calling us to a genuine moral and spiritual preparation for this period as well.
THE FIRST READING (IS. 2: 1 – 5)
The first reading first and foremost indicates that our Advent preparation is a national preparation; all the nations are summoned and called by God, the Judge of all nations to prepare to meet Him at his holy mountain. In preparing to meet our judge, it is fitting that we stay away from troubles and habits that will put us in the bad books. We must stay away from the indictment of sin and idolatry. We must ensure that we are always walking in the way, path, and law of the Lord. We must put an end to every personal or tribal feud, war/fighting and wicked oppression.
THE SECOND READING (ROM. 13: 11 – 14)
In preparing this advent to meet our redeemer king and judge, St. Paul warns us in the second reading to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Based on our Nigerian climatic condition, very soon, the trees will start shedding off their old and dry leaves; more so are we expected to shed our dark habits; drunkenness, debauchery, licentiousness, quarrelling, jealousy, calumny, lies, cheating etc. You must discover your dark side and shed or cast them off this season of Advent.
THE GOSPEL READING (MT. 24: 37 – 44)
The gospel reading of today; better directs our advent preparations beyond the mere commemoration of Christmas. While preparing for the commemoration of the first Christmas we also prepare as if it were our final preparation for the end time, Christ’s final coming/appearance to separate his obedient/faithful children from infidels.
CONCLUSION
This advent season of expectation and preparations for the coming of Jesus Christ, let us centre our attention on Christ and what he likes and prefers in our lives as righteous judges. Let us prepare to meet Jesus the son of man in the sanctity of life, in the perfection of our character and in fidelity to his holy commands.
Happy Advent Season!
Fr. Justin
REFLECTION ON THE READINGS – 1st SUNDAY, Advent – Yr. (A)
(Isaiah 2:1-5; Rom. 13: 11-14; Matt. 24: 37-44)
Fr. KCK
Theme: RESOLVING TO MEET CHRIST
As the church begins a new liturgical year with the Advent Season, the First Collect (Opening Prayer) of the season prays to God to grant the faithful to resolve to run forth to meet Christ with righteous deeds at his coming.
Advent is the beginning of the church’s calendar that celebrates Christ first coming in history. However, this celebration in history is now done in mystery – in the mysteries of the church’s liturgy. We now live with Christ. We have all been baptised. We are the faithful. Thus the church’s beckoning on us the faithful who had already been baptised, who already know that Christ had come in history, but who are having difficulties with the mysteries of Christ continued coming to “Resolve to run to meet Christ at his coming.” There is an important need for a resolution for the firmness of the decision, for a re-enkindling and for a re-assessment. The resolution is important for some obvious reasons:
People grow complacent about the presence of Christ. Today religious fervour and zeal are going down. It is now a common sight even on early Sunday mornings in our streets to see people doing their own thing as if it is not a Sunday. This is the kind of picture painted in the gospel today. People go about drinking and eating oblivious of the call to repentance. The presence of Christ or the ways he comes to us is no more forceful to the human spirit. Advent is urging a resolution.
Also, the gospel of Advent about the coming of Christ can sound as old religious rhetoric. For many, to say that Christmas is coming – Christ is coming – may not mean more than a time to prepare for the end-of-year pieces of stuff. Get some good material things and show that you belong. Getting those ‘good things can even be done through some heinous crimes. Advent is a time to urge us to a resolution and re-assessment.
Finally, the issue of ‘there is time’ is a bane to the human mind and consciousness. The second reading reminds us of the urgency of the time. But naturally, we keep thinking that there is time. We need to resolve and wake up to the realities of life. There is no time. Each day passes like a dream. Soon a year-old baby will be an adult. And soon death will come. Advent is asking us to resolve to act in favour of our soul and eternity because Christ stands at the door and he has been knocking.
The reasons for the need to resolve to run or to hasten to meet Christ is like reminding the church and every individual faithful for a personal assessment of what each of us understands or takes Advent for. Will the season pass like any other one? Not much difference in behaviour, not much difference in repentance, not much difference in religious piety. Just the same apathetic lifestyle. A resolution is a personal act. It is also a collective and communal act. It is time for one and for all.
When we look at our country or our communities, our family, or our personal life, does it look like a place or space with the presence of Christ? This question can guide resolutions during this Advent season. May we hasten to meet Christ who is always coming to us in mystery.
Blessings
Fr. KCK
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