Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus

Ish. 63:16-17.64.1-8, I Cor. 1:3-9, Mt. 13:33-37. Today, we begin the First Sunday of Advent and a new liturgical calendar, Year B, which is composed of four Sundays (hope, love, joy and peace), as preparation for Christmas. The liturgical colour is violet since Advent Season has a penitential character, but has the element of hope and joy in the expectation of the Lord’s joyful coming at Christmas. In addition to being a season of hope, it is equally, a season of patience and prayer. Today's first reading is a prophetic message and a prayer of hope. Isaiah begins by acknowledging the greatness of God: “O Lord you are our Father, Our Redeemer is your ancient name…” Then, he makes a petition to God: “Why leave us to stray from your ways…O that you would tear the heavens open and come down…?” We need such prayer of hope and invite "Christ to come quickly, there is danger at the door. Poverty a plenty, hearts gone wild with war. There is hunger in the city and famine on the plain."

In today's second reading, Paul encourages us to be faithful as we wait for the coming of Christ. Though, Paul refers to the parousia and reminds us that we have received the gifts of the Spirit. It is these gifts of the Spirit that will strengthen us as we wait in joyful hope for Christ. Today's Gospel is a clarion call to be awake and alert. Only the Spirit of God can help us do this faithfully. Therefore, rather than obey the spirit of this world this season, we must obey the Spirit of God, who sustains us. So, let us have our minds fixed on Him. If we light up our houses and streets, without lightening up our lives spiritually for Christ to walk into it; if we prepare all things and places without preparing a manger for baby Jesus in our lives then, our preparation would not be complete. As we eagerly anticipate the coming of the Lord this season, our hope and expectation should prompt us to be always awake and vigilant.

May the Lord help us to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord Jesus! Stay safe and save life, happy Sunday!!!