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.
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