BASED ON CATHOLIC LITURGICAL READINGS
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B
THEME: “HOPE”
((Readings: 1st: Isa 63:16d-17; 64:1.3b-8; Ps 80; 2nd: 1Cor 1:3-9; Gos Mk.13:33-37))
The term Advent comes from two Latin words, “Ad-ventus” or “ad-venire,’ which means “to arrive” or “to come” respectively.” Advent is the time of waiting for the coming or arrival of messiah in Jesus Christ. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the new Church’s liturgical year. For us Christians and Catholics in particular, Advent is a time of waiting, expectation, and preparation for the Lord’s coming in three different ways. We are waiting for, the first coming of Jesus 2023 years ago (the Birthday of Christ), secondly for the second coming of Jesus Christ at the end of times, and finally his coming every day in our hearts through his word and Eucharist. So, the prophecy of John the Baptist: “A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare a way for the Lord” (Mk 1, 3), echoes loudly to us this season.
During this season, an Advent wreath with four/five Advent candles is a popular practice. These candles are lit every Sunday, symbolizing hope, love, joy, and peace proclaimed in this season. We are waiting in hope for a messiah who because of his great love for us and his children will bring us peace and joy. During the first Sunday of Advent, our mother church wants to emphasize three factors namely:
- HOPE. During the first week of Advent, we light the candle of Hope which is also called the prophecy candle because our liberator is coming. Advent is a time when we expect mercy and liberation because our Lord comes to save and reign over his people with peace. Advent is a season of hope. It is a period when, as Christians, we await the fulfillment of the promises of God through the prophets.
Our first reading from Isaiah is both a prophetic message as well as a prayer of hope. “Why leave us to stray from our ways…oh, that you would tear the heavens open and come down?” Here we can think of Jesus through an analogy of a person who jumps into a swimming pool to save a drowning person. As Isaiah rightly demanded, God will not keep silent until we are saved. Prophet Isaiah expected God to tear the heavens and come down quickly to save the perishing world. During this season we hope for God´s power and salvation.
As Christians, we should therefore wait for the coming of the Lord with hope for a better future and peaceful moments and that is why today we lit this prophecy candle of hope.
- PREPAREDNESS
St. Paul is praising the Corinthians for their preparedness to meet Christ whenever he comes again. They are spiritually prepared. “…so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Advent is the time of making spiritual preparation for the coming of our Lord. St. Paul is encouraging us to be faithful like the Corinthians to God as we wait for the coming of Christ. Paul reminds us that we have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is these gifts that will strengthen us as we wait in joyful hope for Christ.
- VIGILANCE
In the Gospel reading, Jesus admonishes us to stay awake because we do not know the day that our master is coming. The master will come at an hour that we do not expect, therefore we need always to stand ready, stay awake while praying, and be watchful and vigilant. This is an invitation for us to intensify and strengthen our prayer life. Prayer purifies the soul; it casts away all fears and prepares and strengthens us. Prayer provides us the spiritual energy, courage, and confidence to stand firm while waiting for our Lord’s coming. Intensive prayer rather than being carried away by unnecessary preparations for holidays and Christmas parties is what the Lord wants from us during this Advent season.
Watchfulness and vigilance are the ability to identify Christ in our midst. You may be waiting for Christ to come when he is already in your household. Be vigilant not to ignore Christ because he will come in a manner and form that we least expect.
In brief, as you wait for the coming of the Lord, be watchful and vigilant to identify the Lord when you meet him. Stay awake in prayer and prepare to receive him by embracing holiness and repenting your sinful ways. Be prepared to receive Christ who will bring peace in your life and family. Today we all lit the candle of hope in our hearts that our salvation and help will come from our savior Jesus Christ.
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Hope is one thing that can help you get through the darkest of times. Never give up hope because your miracle could be right around the corner. Even if the whole world betrays you, never lose hope in the Lord because he is your savior.
Prayer: To you O Lord, I lift up my Soul. Amen
Have a blessed Advent!! ((Contact our vocation office on +255629269140 or +254792299140))
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the word and the spirit of Grace; and may the heart of Jesus live in the heart of all the people. Amen” SVD Prayer
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 