Readings: Isaiah
2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Mt. 24:37-44
Waiting, watching and preparing: are the three key
words that sum up best, the Advent Season that we begin today. A true story is told about Colonel Abraham Davenport, Speaker of the Connecticut House of
Representatives back in 1780. One day, while the House was in session, the sky
of Hartford suddenly grew dark and gloomy. Some of the representatives looked
out and thought that was a sign that the end of the world had come. Uproar
ensued with the representatives calling for immediate adjournment. But
Davenport rose and said, “Gentlemen, the Day of Judgment is either approaching
or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I
choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought.”
Candles were brought and the session continued. We too need to choose to be
found doing our duty as Christian when the Lord comes, watching and waiting.
Advent is about waiting for fulfilment of Isaiah’s vision of all the nations
transforming their weapons of war into tools of cultivation and harvesting for
their people; a time anticipating peace and joy.
The Gospel reading urges us to stay awake and to be
ready "because the Son of Man is coming at an hour" we least expect.
Paul in the second reading suggests that we prepare ourselves through
conversion: throwing “off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of
light;” putting “on the Lord Jesus Christ, and making no provision for the
desires of the flesh”. The readings underline two basic Advent themes:
1) anticipation and hope for the second coming of our Lord and Savoir,
who brings peace into our hearts and in the world, symbolized by the green
circular wreath. The circle points to the promise of eternal life. The 5
candles: three purple, one rose and one white in the canter are lit
progressively on each Sunday, with the white one being lit on Christmas Day.
The lighting of the candles reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world
that dispels the darkness of our lives and brings us newness, life and hope. 2)
The second theme symbolized by the colour purple is conversion and renewal
in preparing a suitable place to welcome our Savoir in our hearts. Conversion
is a call to be instruments of peace in the world, so that a kingdom of peace
may come about; so that nations may no longer engage in wars; so that
neighbours may talk of peace and not of war; so that God’s reconciling love may
become a reality.
Briefly we may sum up the message of this Sunday in
three points: 1) Advent is a season of watching and waiting with hope for
Christ, who brings peace into our hearts and in the world; 2) Advent is a time
of looking forward with eagerness and anticipation for the joy of salvation
that Christmas brings. 1) But above all it is a season of spiritual preparation
to receive Christ in our hearts by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
©2017 John S.
Mbinda
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