First Sunday of Advent

Today's Scripture

Today we begin a new liturgical year, and a new liturgical season. On this first Sunday of Advent, we begin our pilgrimage to the Nativity of Our Lord at Christmas. The Gospel reading for today might appear odd at first, since it appears to speak about the end times. Didn’t we finish the liturgical year last week?

Indeed we did, but the focus on Jesus’ coming is multi-layered. On the one hand it is off in the distance at some point in the future ushering in the end of the world: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” At the same time, we all will individually experience Christ’s coming in our end, at the end of our lives. As we draw nearer to death, with the eyes of faith we can see how in reality we are actually drawing nearer to life eternal. Moreover, at every Mass Christ comes again in the Eucharist.

Our first reading for today, however, helps us focus on the coming of Christ on the horizon of the present liturgical season. Advent is oriented toward Christmas much as Lent is oriented toward Easter. Our first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah foretells the “just shoot” which God “will raise up for David” (33:15). This “just shoot” is Jesus the Messiah of David. The “shoot” from David’s line begins to grow in Mary, Daughter Zion, and is born in Bethlehem.

As we approach the end (of Advent, not quite 4 weeks from now), the beginning (of Christmas), let us keep Jesus’ words in mind, to be vigilant (Luke 21:36). And how do we do this? Prayer. Keeping the presence of God constantly before our eyes. Let’s make a pledge with ourselves to really deepen our prayer lives this Advent, so that our souls are prepared for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. As this is the liturgical new year, perhaps we can make some spiritual resolutions to keep us faithful throughout this new liturgical year.

- Jeff Morrow