Sunday, December 3
First Sunday of Advent
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus said to his disciples:
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Sunday, December 3
First Sunday of Advent
Seeking a Savior
We begin the season of Advent with two contrasting images: those who will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming, and those who raise their heads awaiting their redemption. What sets the second group apart? I experience and admit my sinfulness, my emptiness, my inability, that persistent wound and lack of completeness which characterizes my very existence. I will never admit to needing a savior. If I am not seeking a savior then Jesus Christ becomes just a name, just a word. In John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” (John 6:27). Therefore we have no reason to fear the coming of our Lord, as long as we are sincerely begging for and awaiting his coming. The one who is coming has pity on our nothingness, and is always moved by our begging. “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find.” (Matthew7:7) In today’s Gospel, Jesus advises us to pray for the strength to stand before the Son of Man. Our strength is our asking. Let us, in all of our weakness and sin, stand erect as Advent begins. For if we stand begging before the Son of Man then his power will be made perfect in our weakness. ~~Father Richard Veras
Loving Father, let give me the grace to face the truth of myself, and to hand myself over to you this Advent.