Reflection for December 1, 2024

First Sunday of Advent (C)

Jeremiah 33:14-16 | Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 | 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 | Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Happy New Year—or liturgical new year, to be exact! Each Advent, the Church begins a new year with a season dedicated to preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Bernard of Clairvaux, a notable Abbot and Doctor of the Church, teaches that Advent is a reminder of God’s presence in the world. On this First Sunday of Advent, we’re invited to reflect on the three ways the Lord comes to us, as described by the prophet Jeremiah, Saint Paul, and Luke.

First, Jesus comes to us in history. His first arrival was in the flesh, and we celebrate the moment He was born into our world as the cornerstone of history. Our calendar even reflects this, with the years before His birth marked as B.C. (Before Christ) and the years after as A.D. (Anno Domini, meaning “the year of the Lord”). Around 2,025 years ago, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. An angel appeared to Mary, a young virgin, and to Joseph, a carpenter, telling them that Mary would give birth to a son named Jesus, which means “The Lord Saves.” From the start, His mission to save us was clear. In today’s first reading, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of an ideal descendant of David who would bring justice and peace. Jeremiah lived in a time of turmoil, as the Babylonians had just destroyed Jerusalem. Despite the chaos, he assured the people that God would fulfill His promise to send a savior. Jeremiah’s faith in the coming Messiah brought hope to his people, and it still speaks to us today, unless you’re one of those who prefer to rewrite history based on social media trends.

Second, Jesus comes in mystery. The Greek word for Sacrament is μυστήριον (mystērion), which we get the word ‘mystery’ from. The middle coming is where we find ourselves in this age of the Church and takes place in a great variety of ways. The Lord comes to us when we study and grow in his Word (κήρυγμα, kḗrygma); he comes to us when we frequent the sacraments (λειτουργία, leitourgía), especially in the most Holy Eucharist; and he comes into our life when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, and bury the dead (διακονία, diakonía). In the second reading, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to “abound in love” as they wait for Jesus’ return. Paul originally believed that Christ’s second coming was imminent, but he emphasized the importance of living blamelessly while waiting. Advent offers us a chance to reflect on how we’re preparing for Christ’s arrival. Are we ready to welcome Him today?

Finally, Jesus will come in glory at the end of time. In the Creed, we profess that “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.” Though no one knows when this will happen, we’re reminded that His return is certain and draws closer each day. In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes the signs that will precede His second coming and urges us to be watchful and strong in faith. Even though the imagery of the end times can seem frightening, Jesus reassures us: “When these signs begin to happen, stand tall and raise your heads because your redemption is near.” There’s no need to fear—He is with us every step of the way.

Lord God, help us stay mindful of your presence in everything we do. Fill our hearts with joy so that we can serve others each day, praising you through our actions. Shine your grace upon us, bringing peace to our hearts. We ask this through Christ, who comes to us in history, mystery, and glory. Amen.

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