27 November 2016

First Sunday of Advent

The season of Advent calls us to intensify our focus on the Lord who comes. He whom we acclaimed as King last Sunday has come into the world, desires to come into our hearts, and will come again in glory. The prophet Isaiah will be our companion throughout this season, calling the whole Church to prepare for the grace of newness which the Lord wishes to give us. Our question this week will be: Do we desire to meet Christ who comes?

Today Jesus warns against letting our hearts grow lazy in desiring that He come. He recalls the people of Noah’s time who had no desire for God and showed it in their deeds. They did not allow the Lord to have any influence on their habits or their relationships. Jesus calls His disciples to vigilance. The coming of the Lord is far more important than a thief breaking into our home to steal earthly goods. If we set up alarm systems and watch for suspicious characters, why would we not prepare our hearts for the coming of One who can do far more good than a thief can do bad?

At the beginning of this Advent season, as we seek to stir into flame our hearts’ desire for Christ’s coming, let us start by following the words of St. Paul: “Let us throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,” not in drunkenness, lust, or jealousy which ruin our habits and relationships. Rather, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” ( Rom 13:12-14) Let us show our desire for Christ’s coming by seeking to act as He has, and to be rid of anything that would lessen our love for Him.