Introduction: May you keep your focus on the true meaning of this
season as you await the coming of the Lord Jesus and may your life be a
proclamation of your belief in Jesus’ life and ministry of justice and peace.
In some ways, most of us are traditionalists, trying to
see the importance of what has been “handed over” (trans = “over” or “across”;
do = “giving” or “handing on”) from those who have gone before us. The Church
sees this time of year as a new beginning, a time to focus on what GOD has done
in the past, and to look forward to what GOD promises yet to do in the coming
days/years. This is Advent, that is, a time of renewal – rededicating ourselves
to what is most essential in our lives as followers of the One Who came and Who
is coming again. It is particularly hard to do this in our modern society which
is focused on celebrating holidays. We are given about three and a half weeks
to retreat from the busy-ness of the world and focus on what life is truly all
about. Yes, we must be joy-filled, but not with a false sense of merriment, but
with a sense of the life that GOD wants us to have, a life with the Lord Jesus
Who has come, and Who is coming again.
Today we begin Advent, the time of waiting, the beginning
of a new liturgical year. Our readings speak about the coming of the LORD GOD
and the need for preparation. The passage from Jeremiah is a message of hope
and encouragement to the people experiencing a time of trial (the Exile and
persecution). The psalm is a fitting response to the First Reading as it is the
prayer of trust in the Goodness and the promise of the LORD. In his First
Letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul urges the faithful to remain vigilant and
to be even more prepared for the coming of the Lord Jesus. In speaking to His
disciples in the words of today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims a time when the Son
of Man will come again, and He warns His disciples to be ready.
First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16:
I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David
Commentary: At the darkest moment of Israel’s
history, when the storm clouds of invasion were gathering, and the Babylonian
conquest and exile seemed inevitable, comes this prophecy that the promise made
long ago to David will not fail. Jerusalem will be sacked, but the promise
remains that the city will be named ‘The Lord is our Saving Justice’. The
justice of God is not like human justice, conformity with the law. It is God’s
fulfilling his promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David. So, at this dire
moment, Jeremiah renews those promises that the stock of David will never fail,
and gives a corresponding symbolic name to the city of David. Today’s gospel
speaks of another destruction of Jerusalem, that was wrought by the Romans in
70AD and looks beyond it to the final coming of Christ. So, several layers are
envisaged: the seeming loss of the promise at the sack of Jerusalem by the
Babylonians, which will be restored by the coming of Christ at the incarnation,
and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, which is the prelude to and
promise of the final coming of Christ. In all these, the Lord is our Saving
Justice.
Responsorial Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
The Responsorial is the prayer of a person who completely trusts in the LORD. Although it is also said with the expectation of the coming of GOD, it is spoken with the confidence that GOD will keep the promise of restoring those who follow the pathways of the LORD.
Second Reading 1 The 3:12-4:2: May you be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again
Commentary: Paul gives instructions about living
in holiness while waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each year
the Church reminds us of the final coming of the Lord, which is to be the end
of the world as we know it. In the Old Testament the ‘Day of the Lord’ is the
day when God will come to re-establish all things, to put wrongs right, to
punish the wicked, and reward the righteous. In the New Testament, from this
earliest letter of Paul onwards, this Day of the Lord is the Day of the Lord
Jesus. It is pictured as a day when the Lord Jesus will come in a triumphal procession
‘with all his holy ones’, to be joined first by those who have died in the
Lord, and then by those who are still living. For Paul the triumph of the Lord
is so dominant that he does not even mention or envisage punishments for the
wicked. The Lord will triumph over all evil, sweeping all before him, and will
carry all with him in his triumphal procession. Writing to the Corinthians he
envisages that Christ will put all things under his feet, even the last enemy,
death, and will then hand over the Kingdom to his Father.
Gospel Luke 21:25-28,34-36: That
day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap
Commentary: With this reading, we begin the Year
of Luke, for his gospel provides the readings for almost all the Sundays of the
liturgical year which begins today. We begin at the end, for Luke sees the
destruction of Jerusalem as the symbol and foretaste of final liberation at the
coming of Christ. The horror of this day is represented by the cosmic
disturbances, the collapse of all we regard as most stable and reliable, the
eruption of the ocean, and the collapse of the solar system. The Sack of
Jerusalem by the Romans was certainly a decisive moment in the history of the
Church when the possibility vanished forever of the Church remaining a branch
of Judaism. In this sense, it was a liberation for the gentile Churches for
which Luke was writing his gospel. It is also a symbol of the final liberation
from the toils of evil in which humanity is embroiled, and so of the final
triumph of Christ. It is a day we must prepare for our whole life, for
revelation gives us no hint of when it will occur. The only hints are images of
unexpected suddenness, like a trap being sprung (as here), a thief at night, or
the pains of labour coming on a pregnant woman.
Reflection: How
good are you at reading signs, especially signs that God sends our way? The
people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be
accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. Jesus' first coming was clouded
in mystery and surprising wonderment: Even though he was the rightful heir to
the throne of King David, he was born in obscurity in a cave at Bethlehem, near
the place where David had watched over his father's sheep some 1000 years
before. A choir of mighty angels chose to announce the good news to a small
band of lowly shepherds keeping their night watch nearby. Learned magi from the
East, who recognized a great omen in the heavenly sky, followed the star until
it led them to Bethlehem. They alone found the child with his mother and paid
him homage as the newborn king of Israel. When Jesus humbly submitted to
baptism at the River Jordan, the heavenly Father spoke audibly for those nearby
who were willing to listen, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well
pleased."
Signs which point to the Lord's coming to reign with power
and great glory: Jesus, during his public ministry, performed numerous
signs: turning water into wine, calming the storm at sea and walking on water,
multiplying seven loaves of bread in the wilderness to feed 5000 people,
healing the blind and the lame, expelling demons, and raising the dead. While
many believed in Jesus, many also questioned his signs and refused to believe
his claim to be the Messiah sent by the heavenly Father to suffer and die for
our sake and our salvation on the cross of Calvary. Jesus' last and greatest
sign during his earthly ministry was his rising from the tomb on the third day
after his crucifixion. This sign demonstrated his power to defeat death itself
and to give abundant everlasting life to all who believed in him.
Jesus told his
disciples that his final great sign would be his return in glory at the end of
the age. He would come this second time as Judge and Merciful Redeemer to
vindicate those who accepted him as Lord and Savior and to punish those who
rejected him. Jesus declared that this last sign at the end of the world would be
unmistakable. All would recognize and "see the Son of man coming in a
cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:27). The title which Jesus most
often used to describe his Messianic role was the expression "Son of
Man". This title comes from the Book of the prophet Daniel, chapter 7. The
image of a "Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory"
was given in a vision where the prophet Daniel saw heaven opened before the
throne of God (Daniel 7:13-14). In this vision God showed Daniel a royal investiture
of a human king before God's throne. This king was invested with God's
authority and was given power to judge and rule over the whole earth. His reign
would last for all ages.
The Jews of
Jesus' day were looking for a Messiah King who would free them from the
oppressive rule of pagan Rome. Many had hoped that Jesus would be their
victorious conqueror. They missed, however, the most important sign and reason
for the Messiah's first coming - his death on the cross as the atoning
sacrifice for the sins of the world and his triumphant victory over death and
Satan when he rose on the third day. The Lord Jesus is both the "Son of
David", the rightful heir and Messiah King of Israel whose reign will
endure for all ages (Psalm 89:3-4,29,36-37) - and the "Son of Man",
chosen by God as the anointed ruler who will come at the end of the age to
establish a universal kingdom of peace, righteousness, and justice for all the
nations and peoples of the earth.
The Messiah comes to "execute justice and righteousness in
the land": The prophet Jeremiah foretold the day when God would
send his Messiah King to "execute justice and righteousness in the
land" (Jeremiah 33:15). Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise and every
promise which God has made. The Lord Jesus, through the gift and working of the
Holy Spirit who dwells within us, assures us of his abiding presence and the
promise that he will return again. His Holy Spirit gives us supernatural hope,
and the strength to persevere with joyful confidence until the Lord comes
again. What kind of hope does the Lord offer us? He gives us the hope of
heaven, seeing God face to face, sharing in the fullness of his glory and
everlasting life. When the Lord comes again as our Judge and merciful Redeemer,
he will right every wrong, vindicate every person who has accepted him as Lord
and Savior, and remove all sorrow, pain, and death itself (Revelations 21:4).
The world around us is plagued with greed, envy, strife, and uncertainty. It
has lost hope in God and in his promise to restore the human race and all of
creation when the Lord Jesus comes again.
Jesus'
prophetic description of the end of time and the day of judgment was not new to
the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries
before. "Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce
anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it"
(Isaiah 13:9-13; see also Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18). Jesus
speaks of the second coming as a known fact, a certain event we can expect to
take place. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize; signs
which will strike terror in those unprepared and wonder in those who are ready
to meet the Lord. When the Lord returns, he will establish final justice and
righteousness over the earth by overthrowing his enemies and by vindicating
those who have been faithful to him. The anticipation of his final judgment is
a sign of hope for all who trust in him.
Indifference and rejection of the Gospel lead to destruction:
What can keep us from recognizing the signs of the Lord's presence
and his action today? Indifference and the temptation to slacken off - to
become passive and lethargic or to fall asleep spiritually. It is very easy to
get caught up in the things of the present moment or to be weighed down with
troubles. The Lord knows our shortcomings and struggles and he gives us the
strength to bear our burdens and to walk in his way of holiness. But there is
one thing he doesn't tolerate: an attitude of indifference, being passive, not
caring, and doing nothing when we could be actively seeking God and his
kingdom! God is ready to give us fresh vision, hope, and grace to walk in his
ways. He wants to work in and through us for his glory. That is why he expects
more of us than we can do by ourselves. His grace enables us to actively watch
for his actions in our lives and to actively pray for perseverance and
endurance when we face trials and difficulties. The Lord gives us his strength
to overcome temptation, especially from apostasy - the denial of the Lord Jesus
out of fear or pride. God is ever ready to fill us with his strength and divine
power. Is your heart hungry for God or is it weighed down by other things?
Advent season reminds us that we are pilgrims and exiles
longing for our home with God: Many churches in the East and West,
since the early first centuries of the Christian era, have marked special
seasons to celebrate the central truths of the Christian faith. The Advent
season which precedes Christmas and Epiphany reminds us that we are a pilgrim
people, aliens, and exiles in this age who long for our true home with God in
his heavenly kingdom, and who await with joyful hope the return of the Lord
Jesus at the end of the age. When will the Lord Jesus come again? No one but
the Father in heaven knows the day. But it is a certain fact that we are living
in the end times, the close of this present age! The end times begin with the
first coming of Jesus Christ (his Incarnation which we celebrate at Christmas
and Epiphany) and culminate in his final return on the Day of Judgment.
Lord Jesus, may
I never lose sight of the signs of your presence in my life and the signs of
your action in the world today. Free me from spiritual dullness, indifference,
and every distraction that would keep me from you. May I never tire of
listening to your word, seeking you in prayer, and longing for your return in
glory?
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The coming of the Son of Man, by Cyril of Alexandria
(376-444 AD)
"He says
that they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Christ will not come secretly or obscurely but as God and Lord in glory
suitable for deity. He will transform all things for the better. He will renew
creation and refashion the nature of people to what it was at the beginning. He
said, 'When these things come to pass, lift up your heads and look upward, for
your redemption is near.' The dead will rise. This earthly and infirm body will
put off corruption and will clothe itself with incorruption by Christ's gift.
He grants those that believe in him to be conformed to the likeness of his
glorious body."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 139)
Happy New Year!
“Men will see
the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory.” —Luke 21:27
Happy New Year!
Today is the first day of Advent and of the Church year. The Church’s new year
not only begins earlier than that of the world but is also ushered in
differently. The world’s new year is inaugurated with New Year’s Eve parties,
much drinking, and self-indulgence. The Church begins its new year with the
warning: “Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and
drunkenness and worldly cares” (Lk 21:34).
Another
difference between our new year and the world’s is that our new year actually
is new. The only new thing about the world’s so-called new year is new numbers
on a calendar. The world’s new year is nothing but a rerun of a rerun — just
more selfishness, escapism, compulsive behavior, confusion, and sin (see Eccl
1:9-10). Conversely, the Church’s new year is truly new. It is centered as
always on Jesus and begins with His Christmas coming (Rev 21:5-6). Moreover,
Jesus is infinite; with Him, we always have more, always something new (2 Cor
5:17). When Jesus comes into our hearts during Christmas, we will experience
His love in a new way.
One other
difference between the Church’s new year and the world’s is that ours really is
happy because it is Christ-centered. Happy New Year!
Prayer: Lord,
increase us and make us “overflow with love for one another and for all” (1
Thes 3:12). Strengthen our “hearts, making them blameless and holy before our
God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones” (1 Thes
3:13). “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I
made.” —Jer 33:14. “O come, O come, Emmanuel! And ransom captive Israel!” Come,
Jesus, Prince of Peace!
The personal action for today: How am I going to make this Advent adventurous? What
am I going to do to show that I am vigilant for the Lord Jesus’ return? How can
I manifest my readiness to please GOD? What can I do to show my desire to “downplay”
the “holiday” atmosphere and focus on the religious theme of Advent, at least
in the next two and a half weeks, after which we can focus more on the First
Coming of Jesus in His birth in Bethlehem?
*Saint Charles de Foucauld: Born into an aristocratic family in Strasbourg, France, Charles
was orphaned at the age of 6, raised by his devout grandfather, rejected the
Catholic faith as a teenager, and joined the French army. Inheriting a great
deal of money from his grandfather, Charles went to Algeria with his regiment,
but not without his mistress, Mimi.
When he
declined to give her up, he was dismissed from the army. Still in Algeria when
he left Mimi, Charles reenlisted in the army. Refusing permission to make a
scientific exploration of nearby Morocco, he resigned from the service. With
the help of a Jewish rabbi, Charles disguised himself as a Jew and in 1883,
began a one-year exploration that he recorded in a book that was well received.
Inspired by the Jews and Muslims whom he met; Charles resumed the practice of
his Catholic faith when he returned to France in 1886. He joined a Trappist
monastery in Ardeche, France, and later transferred to one in Akbes, Syria.
Leaving the monastery in 1897, Charles worked as a gardener and sacristan for
the Poor Clare nuns in Nazareth and later in Jerusalem. In 1901, he returned to
France and was ordained a priest.
Later that year
Charles journeyed to Beni-Abbes, Morocco, intending to found a monastic
religious community in North Africa that offered hospitality to Christians,
Muslims, Jews, or people with no religion. He lived a peaceful, hidden life but
attracted no companions. A former army comrade invited him to live among the
Tuareg people in Algeria. Charles learned their language enough to write a
Tuareg-French and French-Tuareg dictionary and to translate the Gospels into
Tuareg. In 1905, he came to Tamanrasset, where he lived the rest of his life. A
two-volume collection of Charles’ Tuareg poetry was published after his death.
In early 1909,
he visited France and established an association of laypeople who pledged to
live by the Gospels. His return to Tamanrasset was welcomed by the Tuareg. In
1915, Charles wrote to Louis Massignon: “The love of God, the love for one’s
neighbor…All religion is found there…How to get to that point? Not in a day
since it is perfection itself: it is the goal we must always aim for, which we
must unceasingly try to reach and that we will only attain in heaven.” The
outbreak of World War I led to attacks on the French in Algeria. Seized in a
raid by another tribe, Charles and two French soldiers coming to visit him were
shot to death on December 1, 1916.
Five religious
congregations, associations, and spiritual institutes—Little Brothers of Jesus,
Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Little Sisters of Jesus, Little Brothers of
the Gospel, and Little Sisters of the Gospel—draw inspiration from the
peaceful, largely hidden, yet hospitable life that characterized Charles. He
was beatified in 2005 and canonized in 2022.
The life of
Charles de Foucauld was eventually centered on God and was animated by prayer
and humble service, which he hoped would draw Muslims to Christ. Those who are
inspired by his example, no matter where they live, seek to live their faith
humbly yet with deep religious conviction.
