As Advent begins, let’s all begin to dedicate ourselves more and more to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
A homily from the First Sunday of Advent based on readings from
Isaiah 63:16b–17, 19b, 64:2–7, Psalm 80, 1 Corinthians 1:3–9, Mark 13:33–37
These readings are available at the USCCB website.
Today we begin a new liturgical year. Today we begin Advent, which is so much more than just another part of the Christmas season. Advent, a good preparation is the key to the Christmas Season! In Advent we look forward to the coming of Christ, both in Christmas and at the end of time.[1] This is the season; now is the time!
Advent is such a special time. Over the next four Sundays our readings will prepare us for the unimaginable. This Sunday, we watch. We renew our efforts to look for Christ in all things. Next Sunday, we see more clearly what we need to do, we listen to the call of John the Baptist and begin to see how we need to change, how we need to repent. The Third Sunday, we begin to learn that we watch and wait for none other than the messiah, a deliverer. Finally, on the last Sunday in Advent, we enter into the fullness of this promise – this messiah will be God made flesh!
I know that there is a temptation to rush through Advent and just lean right into Christmas. There is a temptation to think of preparation as decorating, buying and baking. These things are important, but there is a much deeper level of preparation. First, we watch! We learn to see Christ in our everyday lives. Second, we take seriously the call to repent, to change the very way that we look at life. We reorient ourselves toward Christ. We realize that the long awaited messiah is coming, which includes the important and unpopular fact that we all need a messiah – each and every one of us. Finally, in the last week of Advent we embrace the fullness of just who Jesus is – God become man.
This morning we celebrated the Rite of Acceptance, where those inquiring about our faith were welcomed into the Catechumenate. Candidates who have already been baptized and who are seeking the fullness of the faith were welcomed as well. There was something hauntingly familiar in the questions that were asked and the answers that were given. We asked both groups similar questions. We asked them, “What do you seek?” Isn’t that the question that we all ask? Since the beginning of time, humankind has tried to answer that question. This morning, the catechumen and candidates answered that they seek faith and the fullness of the truth. Isn’t that something everyone seeks? Even those who don’t yet look to God or his Church for the answer try to find truth and meaning.
And so we continue our search even as we begin our Advent preparation. This First Week of Advent focuses on watchfulness.
Our first reading from Isaiah comes from a great prayer of vindication and restoration. It contemplates a redeemer come to save and restore God’s people. This is truly an auspicious beginning! Our second reading speaks of the thankfulness that we have for the grace of God bestowed on us in Jesus Christ. Both of these thoughts point us to the one who is to come, to the one for whom we watch so eagerly.
Watching
We watch for Jesus to come to us this Christmas season. In our gospel, Jesus reminds us to be watchful by living our life faithfully at all times. Our gospel comes from the end of his public ministry, and he is warning his disciples, which by the way includes all of us, to pay attention, but most particularly to not slack off. The Kingdom of God will come at any minute, and we must fully dedicate ourselves to Jesus at all times. Delaying the good of Jesus does no good for anyone! We must all be spiritually ready … for Christmas, ready to see Jesus at work every day in our lives, ready for our own judgment, and ready for the end of time.
We watch because Jesus has a plan for our lives, a plan for our good. How sad it would be if we were to miss any part of that wonderful plan. As we watch we will see our Lord at work in our daily life. We will see how we can best respond to his incredible love, a love that none of us deserve. And yet, he shows us how to respond and strengthens us in our efforts – if we earnestly watch for him.
How do we do that? Prayer. We can’t know what we are to do or where Jesus is really working in our lives without asking him. We do that in prayer. A simple prayer, “Jesus, show me your way,” lies at the heart of all discernment. The most important thing we do is to do the next righteous thing. Jesus, show me your way!
Closing
Advent begins today. Our journey of faith continues as we all move forward to the fullness of the truth, to the fullness of what our Lord calls us to be. Catechumens, candidates, parishioners and clergy alike seek a deeper faith. As Advent begins, let’s all make a new beginning and dedicate ourselves more and more the Jesus Christ, our messiah, Lord and savior.
“As Advent begins, let’s all begin to dedicate ourselves more and more to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.”1
[1] Universal Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 39