Reflection by Deacon Matt

First Sunday of Advent: 

Jer 33:14-16: As we begin a new liturgical year, we ponder God’s Words of hope and encouragement through the prophet, Jeremiah. We, too can be comforted by God’s reaffirming His promise to raise up a leader for Israel, from the line of David. This “leader” is recognized by many as the coming Messiah; our Savior, Who is right and just. In addition God promises to protect and make secure, both Judah and Jerusalem. The hope communicated by this passage is all the more precious and poignant if we are aware of the fact or recall that when Jeremiah shared this passage, he was still in jail during the Babylonian Captivity. Advent is a great time to pray for increased faith and confidence in God; even when our present circumstances are challenging, less than optimal and involve suffering for the sake of our faith, and for the Church.

Psalm 25: “To You, O Lord, I lift my soul!” This makes a good, complementary “companion psalm” to our first reading. In the first reading, God promises a righteous and just ruler. Now, the psalmist asks God for instruction in God’s “ways” and “paths,” (righteousness and justice). The second verse of today’s psalm alludes to the fact that we can’t grow in wisdom and righteousness and learn from God, unless we’re humble. We first have to admit we have faults and have made mistakes, before we can improve. The content of this psalm suggests that the psalmist is humble, as the author displays great openness and respect for God. This sincere zeal can only be the result of inspiration from the Holy Spirit. 

Lastly, this psalm suggests that some wisdom, peace and serenity can only be gained by obedience to God’s Law. We can learn from our past mistakes and disobedience, but living out God’s Will through obedience imparts a deeper “knowing,” or experience of God’s loving, benevolent Presence.

1 Thes 3:12-4:2 It often helps to read this passage, twice. If we want to grow in knowledge of God and in holiness, we need to pray for two things… the ability to love God and other people more fully and extravagantly, and for greater faithfulness in obedience to God’s Law. We need to learn to love others in the manner that God loves us; unselfishly and with self-sacrifice. If we love others as God loves us, we won’t be counting the cost; we’ll be searching for opportunities!

The Law of God is a school for growing in righteousness and justice. Practicing Holy Obedience to God imparts wisdom and the highest degree of spiritual freedom that one can obtain in this life. By contrast, disobedience brings confusion, tension, anxiety and depression. The choice isn’t always easy.

Luke 21:25-28; 34-36: Today’s Gospel provides a vivid and frightening vision of the world-wide consequences of disobedience to God’s Law. As the consequence for widespread turning away from God, there will come catastrophic casualties that are the natural results of sin and evil actions. These unpleasant times of suffering could also be seen as a potential gift, as they might  inspire to repent for sins and try to convert or return to the obedient practice of the faith.

The gravity of the events of the tribulation, as described in this passage are softened by the reminder that these times will be followed by Jesus’ Second Coming. Jesus’ own words, “beware… be vigilant… and pray…” remind us to prepare to meet the Lord!  

Deacon Matt