FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR C
Theme: Renewing
the spark of Hope
Table of the Word:
-
Jeremiah 33:14-16
-
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
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Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
As
we begin the Advent season, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for
the coming of Jesus Christ. In the course of the liturgy of the Word, Prophet
Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill his promise of a
righteous Branch, a Saviour who will bring justice and righteousness (cf. Jeremiah
33:14-16). In the Gospel pericope, Jesus warns us to be vigilant and prepared
for his return. He describes the signs of the end times, but also encourages us
to live in hope and anticipation (cf. Luke 21:25-28, 34-36). While St. Paul, in
his epistle to the Thessalonians, reminds us to live a life of love, increasing
and overflowing with love for one another while in joyful waiting for the
coming of the Redeemer (cf.1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2). It is on account of this
that I wish to draw our attention to the theme: “Renewing the spark of Hope.”
Historically,
in the Old Testament the people of God started out with the belief in a
salvation that was unconditional, a salvation they would always get just
because their God, Yahweh, will always defend them and provide for them. They
were thrown into a crisis of faith when Yahweh turned His back on them and let
their enemies crush them. They lost thousands of lives, they lost their land as
they were taken into exile, they lost the kingship of the ruling lineage of
David. The roots of their entire religion were shaken, and God’s words were
doubted. God out of His continuous love and the promise He made from the
beginning sent prophets to them with words of comfort.
In
the light of the light of this, though their salvation was sure, but it came
with an obligation. Obligation to make sincere effort in keeping to the detects
and ordinances of God. That is why they (prophets) began to emphasize that
God’s saving actions go hand-in-hand with righteousness. For instance, the last
section of the book of Isaiah begins in these words: “Observe justice and
practice righteousness, for my righteousness is about to come and my salvation
about to be revealed.” (Isaiah 56:1). They told the people that Yahweh is
always faithful to His promises but that there was need for repentance and the
practice of righteousness for those who expect God’s saving actions in their
lives. In fact, Isaiah 59:1 puts it even more directly: “Behold the hand of the
Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Rather your
iniquities have been barriers between you and your God.”
Therefore,
in the course of today’s liturgical ceremony, we put on the Candle of Hope
which the first reading and the gospel
pericope make allusion to (cf. Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36). This
candle is also known as the Prophet’s candle, it signifies the promise of the
messiah which points to the redemption of humanity. As Prophet Isaiah will say:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who
dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone” (Isaiah 9:2).
Moreover,
Prophet Micah reiterates the importance of this day where the candle of hope is
lit by saying: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my
Saviour; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7).
Beloved in Christ, as we are in joyful waiting for the coming of our
Redeemer, we are to revive the spark of hope in us as the entrance antiphon
acclaim. Though hope is one of those virtues that is difficult to practice
especially when confronting with the realities of life, but since God Himself has
promised us that at the appointed time He will reestablish all things in
Christ, both in heaven and those on the earth (cf. Ephesians 1:10); then let
our faith be strengthened and our hope be firm especially in moment like this where
so much militates against our hope in him. Though challenges in life confront
us with its pains, economic situation hits us hard, friends become woes, the
journey to comfort zones become boring and every other bumps of life. Amidst
this, the fact is that there is little enough cause for hope; since Christian
hope is not based on merely human considerations but on God’s goodness and
power.
Finally,
in spite of human failure, God’s plan for the world is irreversible and is
carried forward no matter how great the forces are that oppose it.; because
that plan is centered on our Lord Jesus whom we wait in joyful hope for His
return. Therefore, we ought to live out the gospel values with utmost hope even
in trials for His love endures forever. + May the Lord bless His Words in our
heart through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray
Almighty
eternal God, we are grateful for the love and care showered upon us. As we begin this Advent season, help us to
prepare our heart and mind for your coming. May we be vigilant and prepared,
living a life of love and hope. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus
Christ who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
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