Reflection for First Sunday of Advent
First Reading: Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel: Mark 13:33-37
Today, we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent and our gospel begins with : Be watchful! Be alert! and ends with What I say to you, I say to all: “Watch”. These are very appropriate words for the beginning of Advent. In fact, we could say that these words should mark how we live our spiritual lives every day. Jesus not only tells us to “watch” but offers us an example. We are the “gatekeepers” that Jesus speaks about in the gospel. Jesus has left us (his servants) in charge. He has entrusted us with time, talent and treasure. Jesus calls us to service, especially to the least of our brothers and sisters.
We do not know when Jesus will return at the end of time. We do not know when Jesus will come at the end of our earthly life. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. Sleeping here means being negligent with that which has been entrusted to us. Advent always begins focusing on the second coming of Jesus, then shifts to the Incarnation, his birth.
Yes , O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands. Isaiah’s words easily can become our own for this season of Advent. We must allow ourselves to be molded. Clay does not take on it’s own form. It relies on the potter. We enter this season of Advent, with the goal of being molded into the image of Jesus.
The season of Advent is about longing, longing for Jesus Christ. We ask ourselves: Am I loving, or just living? Am I satisfied with my prayer life? Am I satisfied that my relationship with Jesus Christ is growing? Do I want to change a bad habit or repetitive sin? Advent is a season of preparation…for the coming of Jesus… especially in our hearts. How did Mary, the Mother of God prepare for the coming of Jesus? She waited with prayerful expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promise to save us!
May God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike