December 2, 2012

1st Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

   The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: "The LORD our justice."

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Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

   Brothers and sisters, may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen. Finally, brothers, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God-- and as you are conducting yourselves-- you do so even more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-28,34-36

    Jesus said to his disciples: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   "But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." (Luke 21:28) Christian readers are puzzled over this passage. What did this passage tell the readers of the first century and what does it say to us the people of the twenty first century. For them it was speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem and the vindication of the followers of Jesus.
   Roman Empire joined hand with the leaders of Jerusalem and destroyed Jesus (the Son of Man) but now they are overthrown. The kingdom of God has come.  The present world must realize this and if the reject God’s invitations then they are heading for destruction. The followers of Jesus should practice patience at this time.