1st Sunday of Advent, Year C: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima
Theme: What we should do as we wait for Christ’s coming
Readings: Jer 33:14–16; 1 Thess 3:12–4:2; Lk 21:25–28,34–36
Dear friends in Christ, today marks the beginning of a New Year in the church (Year C) and a new season (the season of advent). Advent is a season of special preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ. It is a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas.
In a special way, advent is a time that prepares us for the coming of Christ in three ways: first, it prepares us for the commemoration of the historical birth of Christ, that is, Jesus’ first coming in history as a baby in Bethlehem (Christmas); second, it is a time of preparation for Christ’s daily coming into our lives in mystery through the Sacraments, through the Bible, and through the worshipping community; and third, it is a preparation for Christ’s Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world to reward the just and to punish the wicked. It is a time that calls us to devote special time to penance, sacrifice, and prayer in preparation to receive Christ in our lives.
The term Advent comes from the Latin words ad-ventus and ad-venire, which simply mean “to arrive” or “to come,” respectively.” The three readings of today’s Mass speak of this coming. The first reading describes the coming of the upright branch from the family of David. The gospel speaks of the second coming of Jesus, the son of David. The second reading speaks of the kind of life people should live in expectation of the second coming of Christ.
After the reign of David, Israel was ruled by many kings who made life unbearable for the people. Under those kings, injustice, immorality, idolatry, lack of peace, and all manner of evil became the order of the day in the lives of Israelites. The awful situation created by those kings subjected the people to terrible hardships and suffering, and in most cases, enslavement. It was in the midst of Israel’s countless problems and misery that the prophet Jeremiah delivered the message of hope that we read in the first reading.
Jeremiah promised the people of Israel, who were thinking that they had been abandoned to suffer and die under evil kings, that their God would raise up for them a righteous king from the house of their great king David; a king whose reign will bring an end to injustice, immorality, slavery, and the many evils that threatened the lives of the people; a king whose reign will restore the people’s hope and bring back peace and prosperity; a king who will lead the people by example.
Dear friends, the Church is sending this same message of hope of the arrival of a righteous king, Jesus Christ, to all of us who are suffering from the terrible realities of the world, which include economic challenges, social unrest, family problems, health issues, and other personal problems. The Church reminds us that our God has not abandoned us; rather, He has already sent us His Son, Jesus Christ, who is coming to meet us again.
In today’s gospel, Luke reminds us that Christmas is not just a reminder of the coming of Christ in the flesh; rather, it is also a reminder that Christ will come in the Spirit at the end of time. He advises us to pay special attention to this second coming of Christ because it will be preceded by a catalogue of disasters, a terrific scenario that will instill fear in all humans. He warns that the apparent delay in the coming of this terrific end should not lead people to indulge in shameful lifestyles, thinking that it will never come, because that day will come as a surprise to every one. However, He urges everyone to look up in prayer and raise their heads high as they await the arrival of the last day.
In today’s second reading, St. Paul gives us more details of what should keep us busy as we wait for the day of the coming of Jesus at Christmas and at the end of time. He says we should increase and abound in love for one another. St. Paul encourages those who are already involved in good acts of love and kindness in their communities to do more and more. Those who are lacking in acts of love and kindness are urged to wake up and do something good for God and humanity.
St. Paul did not fail to warn those who are waiting for the coming of Christ to desist from the current civilization and admiration of immoral and shameful lifestyles, a situation where people admire, praise, celebrate, and promote what they should be ashamed of. He says anyone who desires to meet Jesus when He returns must make holiness of life, a life that is unblemished, his priority.
Let us pray for the grace to live a life inspired by divine love rather than by immoral love as we prepare and wait for the coming of Christ.
Peace be with you.
Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima