Daily Catholic Reflection: November 29, 2020, First Sunday of Advent, Year B

Isaiah 63:16d-17;64:13b-8,

Ps 80:2ac and 3b. 15-16a.18-19 (R. 4),

1 Corinthians 1:3-9,

Mark 13:33-37 Full Readings

Saint Clement

 Happy New Year

Brethren, today we start the new liturgical year, B. Congratulations for finishing the last Year A, and starting Year B. May the Lord be praised for ever and may this new year become more and more source of spiritual nourishment and growth.

Advent is the season that begins the Liturgical Year. It originated in the early Church as a short period of intense preparation for the celebration of the nativity of the Lord on December 25th. Advent slowly came to be structured into four Sundays with proper readings and prayers. This season is marked by devout and joyful expectation as we recall the first humble coming of the Lord at Bethlehem. At the same time, we are invited to direct our mind and heart towards Christ’s final coming in glory at the end of time.

The season of Advent is a period of preparation for the birth of the Messiah. It has four Sundays and it also begins the new liturgical year begins in the church. Every Sunday first Sunday of Advent begins with a reading from Isaiah, as a prophet par excellence of the Messiah. We are called to prepare for the coming of the Lord. It is certain that the Lord is coming but the day or the hour is not known.

There are three meanings of 'coming' that Christians describe in Advent. The first, and most thought of, happened about 2000 years ago when Jesus came into the world as a baby to live as a man and die for us. The second can happen now as Jesus wants to come into our lives now. And the third will happen in the future when Jesus comes back to the world as King and Judge, not a baby.

During the season of Advent, we have an advent wreath, which consists of four candles  (3 purple and one pink or rose) and the fifth one (White) in the middle, with different colours and meanings. Each candle is lit on its specific Sunday. 

The first candle lit on first Sunday of Advent is purple and is called The Prophets' Candle, symbolising hope; the second lit together with the first one on second Sunday is called the Bethlehem Candle, symbolising faith; the third lit on third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) is  pink or rose and is called the Shepherds' Candle symbolising joy; the fourth candle lit on fourth Sunday is purple and is called the Angel's Candle, symbolizing peace. Lastly the middle candle is white and is called Christ Candle; it is lit on Christmas symbolises, Christ the light of the world.

Advent therefore calls us to hope and being prepared for the coming of Christ. In the gospel passage of today, Christ tells us to be watchful and alert. We are to stay awake and watch for his coming. We should live in such a way that when he comes, he should not find us wanting. He should find us doing what he commanded us to be doing: loving God and loving one another; living holy/ righteous lives. May he meet us doing our Christian duty when he comes. May he meet us ready to welcome him whenever he comes, since he will come “like a thief in the night”.

The Advent season reminds us that we are living in the end times. The end times begin with the first coming of Christ (when the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) and it culminates in Christ's second coming on the Day of Judgment and vindication for his people. Jesus spoke of his return in glory at the close of the ages as an indisputable fact and predetermined act which he will perform as the Judge and Ruler of all peoples, nations, and individuals who ever lived on the earth. Are we ready for this second coming?

The season of Advent is also a time for rousing our minds and hearts for the Lord's coming. As his servants we watch for his will - continually seeking him. We watch for his word and his power - that he may act now to save and to deliver. And we watch for his visitation - he will surely come again! Servants of the Lord rouse yourselves! Be vigilant, be alert, be watchmen for the Lord pointing the way for his coming.

May this Advent be a time of deep renewal in our lives, dear Lord. May it be a time in which we strive with all our hearts to seek out Your gentle and profound voice. Give us the grace, dear Lord, to turn away from the many noises of the world that compete for our attention and to turn only to You and to all You wish to say. Come, Lord Jesus, come into our lives more deeply during this Advent season.

Let us Pray

Lord Jesus, awaken my heart and mind to receive your word and to prepare for your coming again. Free me from complacency, from the grip of sin and worldliness, and from attachments to things which pass away. May I always be eager to receive your word and be ready to meet you when you come again."

Be blessed