Homily on the Readings for First Sunday of Advent, Year B. 30th November, 2014. By Rev Fr Emem G. Umoren. 1St Reading: Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64:2b-7 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9 Gospel: Mark 13: 33-37 General Overview of the Celebration. Once again, we have come to this time of joyful expectation liturgically called ‘ADVENT.’ Even though it is not as strictly penitential in character like Lent, today’s readings also call us to the consciousness that the joyful expectation of advent also entails some piety. Waiting for the Lord’s coming entails some form of preparation and alertness. Preparation for Christmas calls us to change from our sinful ways. Background to the 1st Reading. This reading comes from the last section of the prophecy of Isaiah which reflects the frustration of the returning exiles and the people’s longing for renewed intervention by God. Hence the common refrain: “return for the sake of your servant....” The main point here is the expression of advent hope. It is possible to see the sense of optimism. The prophet not only begs the Lord to return, but he also acknowledges the sinfulness of the people yet, he trusts that God would visit His people. This reading clearly reflects the right attitude we should have during advent. Background to the 2nd Reading. We know that the Corinthian Church had many problems that divided them. Yet all was not bad. There were still some good things happening in their community. Today Paul thanks God for the Spiritual enrichment among them. He is implicitly exhorting them to manifest those Spiritual gifts as they wait for the revelation of their faithful God. The main statement here could be paraphrased: “Be firm to the end.” This message should also be ours this Advent. Background to the Gospel. Mark in his characteristic summary form, makes a point that resounds at this time of Advent when we await the Lord’s coming. This is originally part of Mark’s eschatological discourse and in our own way, we are called to be alert, not just in preparation for Christmas, but more importantly, in preparation for ‘the last day.’ Theme: Be Watchful and Firm to the End... Dear friends, Today, we begin a joyful journey in expectation of a great coming – ‘Xmas.’ During this season of Advent, the Church calls us to be watchful and vigilant lest the hour should take us by surprise. While this message of vigilance is important, the more relevant message which the 2nd reading highlights more prominently is the fact that in vigilance and watchfulness, we should be firm to the end. Life experience has proved that ‘it is never over until it is over.’ Many wise sayings point to the fact that almost every ‘competition’ is judged by the final conduct of the competitors. Unless one runs to the finish, a good start is not good enough to guarantee victory. While the message of vigilance is never lacking during Advent, I would want to propose on this 1st Sunday of Advent that we work on sustaining this attitude to the ‘end.’ The next question that ordinarily comes up therefore is: ‘when is the end?’ This question is never as easy as it may appear to be. In fact, the early Christians had expected the 2nd coming soon after Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost. This brought about wrong tendencies. Paul had to let them know that the end was not that soon in sight. He nevertheless cautioned them to be continually vigilant. In our own context, one could say that the end is Christmas time. That may be right only in a very narrow sense. The end, as far as the coming of the Lord is concerned, extends beyond the celebration of His birth. In the strict sense, the end would be associated with our expected re-union with the Triune God in His Kingdom. Unfortunately, none of us knows that day. We may know Christmas day but no one knows the ‘last day’ (the end) and as such our vigilance just has to be ongoing! Paul’s message to the Corinthians today enforces this point. Our vigilance has to be ongoing. Any relaxation could be very dangerous. Paul tells the Corinthians to be firm to the end and never to allow the once vibrant faith to ‘wear off.’ Our society needs this type of message at this time. Every Christmas, many Christians struggle and scramble to identify with their faith. We do this in many ways – Church attendance, charitable acts, etc. But soon after the festive season, many no longer sustain such religious momentum. Yes it is good to be alert and vigilant, but since 25th December is NOT the end, we need to learn to sustain our religious vigilance beyond that day and that season. Though this threatens to modify the conventional meaning of Advent, it does no spiritual harm instead it does some good to see Advent as the beginning of an ‘on-going journey.’ We must make advent (as the first liturgical season of the Church’s year) the beginning of a year-long vigilance in the ongoing struggle to make Heaven. Be firm to the end! On a day like this, it is also important to appreciate the responsibility that Advent imposes on us. Our vigilance must manifest itself in a conscious attempt to admit God into our situation. In spite of our sinfulness, God’s faithfulness still makes it possible for us to approach Him (cf. 1st and 2nd readings). Therefore, like Prophet Isaiah, we should invite God to intervene in our situation provided we remember to ‘let go’ the stuff that puts us at odds with Him. This is a responsibility that Advent imposes on us and we must strive to vigilantly carry it out to the end – not just to Christmas but beyond and much after that until the Lord calls each and every one of us to Himself. Remember; do not be caught off guard! Be watchful and firm to the end.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:27:39 +0000