Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay

Jer. 33:14-16, 1 Thess. 3:12–4:2, Lk. 21:25-28.34-36. On this First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new Liturgical Year C, the Church invites us to 're-live' the Mysteries of Christ as we continue on our earthly pilgrimage towards meeting God our Creator and our ultimate end. Each Sunday, candles are lit around a wreath made of holly leaves, symbolising Christ and creating an Advent of waiting and hope, that the hidden presence of God made flesh may grow within us and in our world. This is the season we prepare for the coming of Jesus the Messiah as revealed by God and 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. Today's first reading recaptures the prophetic stage in which it was announced the first coming of Christ “See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks, in those days and at that time, I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David, who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.” Through the Prophet Jeremiah, the Lord renewed His commitment to a promise He had made; the promise about the coming of the Messiah.

The first coming of Christ is very decisive as it fully informs and places before us everything we need to prepare ourselves for the Parousia, His second coming at the end of time. It is this second coming that Jesus draws our attention to in today's Gospel. This is sure to happen and imminent as the case may be, but when it will happen is not known to any creature, for “that day will be sprung on you suddenly: "Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.” To prepare for the second coming of Christ and for a fruitful commemoration of His first coming at Christmas involves, in the words of today's second reading, that we allow our hearts to be “confirmed in holiness that we may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.” Being confirmed in holiness and being blameless is not something abstract and unattainable but the “holiness to which the Lord calls us grows through small gestures”. Gestures of love, attention, understanding, patience and tolerance and above all, humility.

May the Lord keep us focused on the true meaning of this season as we await the glorious coming of Christ and our life be a proclamation of our belief in Jesus’ life and ministry of justice and peace! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!