The season of Advent is a special time when we make our own the desire of the early Christian community for the coming of the Lord. It is like a training period for making ourselves more sensitive to the Lord's presence so that we can recognize Him when he is finally revealed.
Relevant Articles
- Be Watchful and Alert
- The Gospel reading for the first Sunday of Advent (Year B) is taken from the eschatological discourse of Mark chapter 13. Jesus had entered Jerusalem as foretold by the prophet Malachi, he has cleansed it, and now announces its end. The Temple has become a symbol of Judah's religious status quo, of the pious hypocrisy of its leaders and the legalistic religiosity that puts holocausts and sacrifices above the demands of mercy. When the kingdom is finally established, this old order will be washed away as dross is cleansed by purifying fire. More...
- Rend the Heavens and Come Down
- Isaiah 63:7-64:11 is actually a prayer recited by an assembly that rises from an evaluation of a situation in the light of that assembly's conviction about itself and its relationship with God. The situation is post-exilic, characterized the poor condition of Jerusalem and by divisions in the community of Israel, the rejection of this particular assembly (are they the Levites that were supplanted by the Zadokite priests?) by the leaders of the community and the experience of the distance and silence of God Himself. More...
1. During Advent we prepare ourselves for Christmas, the first coming of the Lord. Just as the Lord came the first time, so we can be sure that He will come again a second time.
Reflect. The Gospel reading is a strong reminder that we should "stay awake" as we await the coming of the Lord. What does "staying awake" mean for you?
2. The gospel reading, far from being a frightening scenario, is actually a source of consolation for those who first heard it. The Lord comes, after all, to end all suffering and establish His peace. He comes to vindicate those who await Him and judge the rest. Fright may be the reaction of those who will be judged.
Reflect. How do you assess yourself in view of the Lord's coming? Do you see yourself as one who will be vindicated or judged?
3. In the gospel reading, we find a parable that resembles the Parable of the Talents that we read some Sundays ago. In addition, there is mention of the doorkeeper who must at all times be ready for the arrival for the master of the house.
Reflect. How do you see yourself symbolized in the servants who await their Lord? What do you think is the task that has been assigned to you? (It is a task related to evangelization.) When the Lord comes to make an accounting, what would you show him as the fruit of your work as His servant?
