Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7: This passage is a true cry of desperation to God, from the prophet. The prophet assumes the “voice” and mindset of the people; who have turned away from God so completely, that they scarcely notice that God’s love and peace are missing from their lives. The people are miserable and their lives have lost meaning because of their turning away from the faith; yet they are blind to the dangers and offensiveness of their condition. At this point, one can see that even giving the people an awareness of their wretched state would be, and is a great gift from God! As we start Advent this week, let’s pray to “know” or be aware of the current state of our souls and to be given wisdom as to how we might improve.

Psalm 80: “Lord, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved.”: Continuing our focus on our need for self-knowledge of our sins and faults, we ask God more directly to turn us toward Him/Her and “see God’s face.” When we see God’s holiness and perfection, we can’t help but be aware of our own shortcomings, failings and needs for life amendment.
In the first two verses of this psalm, the psalmist petitions God in a manner that’s very cognizant of our complete and utter dependence upon God for all of our needs: physical, temporal, emotional and spiritual. The psalmist acknowledges that any strengths we have don’t originate from ourselves, but are a gift from God. Our total dependence upon God is indisputable. Summarily, the last verse of this psalm petitions God for sending the Messiah; “the man of (God’s) right hand;” the “Son of Man,” Whom God has strengthened with the power to heal us, save us and redeem us.

1 Cor 1:3-9: Now, it’s as if we just “sent off” our petitions to God, (the above acknowledgment of our need for God and request for intervention), and St. Paul is immediately rejoicing that our prayers have been answered, instantaneously! This is a good reminder of Jesus’ having told us, already, that our God knows what we need, before we even ask for whatever it is! We’re invited to join Paul in celebrating and giving thanks to God, for the abundant graces and wisdom that God has lovingly and generously bestowed upon us. God has and most assuredly will give us the love, grace, faithfulness and wisdom that we ask of Him. After all, even the desire to ask God for our growth in these virtues are a gift from our Creator and Redeemer!

Mark 13:33-37: Given our contemplation on the earlier readings, we’re compelled to confess that we’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, it’s appropriate in today’s Gospel message that Jesus is warning us, out of love and concern; to “be on guard;” with awareness that the end of our lives could come at any time. If we’re wise, we’ll want to live, virtuously and honorably, in obedience and conformity to God’s Will. Then, when our Lord comes for us, upon our deaths; we’ll be ready to see God and meet our Lord, with joy, peace and serenity.

If we’ve been loving God and others fully, we’ll have nothing to fear and everything to rejoice over when we meet our God. With reverent trust, we’ll be full of faith in God’s mercy and love, given that we’ll have been a conduit of them, throughout our lives.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Deacon Matt