Monday, November 29, 2021

THE VICTORY OF ADVENT

 

THE VICTORY OF ADVENT

Meditation for First Sunday of Advent, Year C

(Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36)

Today we begin a new liturgical with the season of Advent. This season prepares us for Christmas. As such it is the season we “celebrate” our longing and waiting for the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. Within the Mass readings of this season, we shall recall the hope of ancient Israel as they waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise of the Messiah through the prophets. Then, we shall trace events leading to the birth of Jesus, and the manifestation of the glories of Jesus as He lived among His people. Further, Jesus continues to talk again His coming again. He who is to come is present, that those who experienced His presence will continue to long for Him in fullness!

 

The solemn season of Advent keeps us focused on Jesus, and gives us a new insight into the present tribulations and challenges we face each day as a pilgrim people waiting to meet their Savior. Think about this: from the midst of the injustice, unrighteousness, and insecurity at that time, the prophet Jeremiah announced that God was coming to fulfill His promise, and cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for Israel; “And He shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely.” And Jesus talked about His second coming as germinating from the midst of great tribulations and distress that would affect the sun, moon, stars and the whole earth! Such untold fear and perplexity would give way to the coming of the Son of man in a cloud with power and great glory.

 

Thus, our redemption sprouts out like a germinating seed from the ground of tribulations, fear and distress. These perplexed situations in themselves aim to burry us underground and keep our hearts away from Jesus the source of life. Tribulations of life have weighed many people down and rendered them hopeless. This has brought all forms of self-destruction to those who have lost faith. But this season Advent reawakens our hope and celebrates our longing for the sprouting out of redemption. Advent assures us that tribulations will not have the final word; Jesus is the beginning and the end! With our eyes of faith gazed on Jesus, who shall come in glory and power, the present tribulations become necessary stepping stones to reaching our destination in Christ Jesus.

 

‘Advent’ becomes our attitude as we commune with Christ today, and long for the fullness of Redemption. Hence, every tribulation we face today deepens our ‘Advent’ as we yearn more eagerly for the destruction of evil and germination of salvation in Christ Jesus. Therefore, Advent calls for prayer and life of holiness. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men.” This is how we are established in holiness before God till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday November 28th, 2021.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

www.soundofsilence.ng

 

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