Jer 33:14-16; Ps 24(25); 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-18. 34-36
Being Ready
Dear friends, Happy New Liturgical Year. Today is the first Sunday of Advent year C. As we begin this new season in the liturgical calendar, I invite you to thank God for all his blessings and inspiration during Year B. This new liturgical year calls us to make new spiritual resolutions. What spiritual goals do you wish to achieve during this year C?
Advent Season is a time to prepare for the birth of our salvation in the person of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. Jesus lived on this earth more than two thousand years ago but every day he is reborn spiritually in our hearts in the Word and the Eucharist. Advent is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming as he promised. When the Son of Man comes in his glory … (Mt 25:31-46). Sometimes the intensity of this season is lost in the rush to decollate ourselves, our homes, streets, and Churches for Christmas.
One of the traditional symbols to mark this season is the Advent Wreath. The wreath is made of green leaves that signify continuous life. The seamless circular wreath symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul,l and the everlasting life that the child will bring to the world. The four candles represent the four weeks of advent; we light one candle every Sunday. The first purple candle symbolizes hope, preached by the prophets, especially Prophet Isaiah who foretold the birth of Christ. The second purple candle represents faith, especially that demonstrated by Mary and Joseph. The third candle is pink, it symbolizes joy, and it is known as the shepherd’s candle, as the shepherds were overjoyed when the angel told them about the messiah who was born. The fourth candle is called the “Angel’s candle” It symbolizes peace, and it reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on earth and good will to all men”. The advent colour is purple, which signifies prayer, penance and sacrifice.
The people of Israel had been subjected to numerous periods of captivity and injustice by foreign powers. Their Temple was destroyed many times and their kings were taken captive or killed. The message of the coming of a triumphant king who would bring everlasting peace to the people of Israel brought great hope. “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I am going to fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jer 33:14).
Captivity is not a pleasant thing but a time of physical, psychological, spiritual, mental,l and emotional torment. We also live in a world full of captivities of different kinds. Many relationships and marriages can be compared to captivity either for one or both parties. In some cultures, children are treated like slaves or property by their own parents. In many places, the citizenry lives like slaves in the hands of their dictatorial governments. Some people work in circumstances that can only be compared to being in captivity, working long hours in deplorable working conditions, and with demeaning remuneration. How much do the middle-class people pay for the nannies who take care of their toddlers while they work and enjoy life? In the mission where I work, the people have been held back by discriminatory and outdated traditions and political systems. Although many know that they need to change, no one dares to confront the systems. The message of the coming of a just king who will bring freedom to the captives and justice to the oppressed must be very pleasing to the ears of the victims. If we allow this message to speak to our hearts, things could change for the better. Are you living in captivity of one form or another? Are you perpetrating any form of captivity upon anyone? Ask yourself.
However, St. Paul warns us not to be found on the wrong side when Christ returns in his majesty. Where there is injustice, there is always the victim and the villain. While it will be good news for the victim, the villain must fear because the reckoning time will have come. Those who subject others to captivity and slavery are themselves stuck in the path that leads to damnation. Therefore, Advent is the time to amend our ways and be ready to be set free by Christ Emmanuel.
Jesus urges us to be vigilant because that day will come unexpectedly like a trap. The fact that no one knows the day, or the time, keeps things in balance. Therefore, everyone who wishes to be saved must remain vigilant, trying to be as blameless as possible.
Dear friends, my invitation to all of us today is to dispose of ourselves in such a way that the message of advent gets to transform our present situation and align it with the will of God.
Have a blessed Advent Season.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 