Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent - Year C

 

Jer 33:14-16

Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14

Heb 1 Thes 3:12-4:2

Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

 

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Burkburnett, TX

St. Paul Catholic Church, Electra, TX

Christ the King Catholic Church, Iowa Park, TX

 

What are you waiting for? It sounds like a simple question and yet the answer may not be as simple as it first appears. Today begins the new liturgical year and the season of Advent. The days are growing shorter, darkness comes earlier, and the night seems to be somewhat hushed as in quiet expectation of something to come. In Advent, the Church anticipates for the coming of Jesus Christ. In one sense, we are preparing to celebrate the memory of His first coming as a child 2000 years ago at Christmas. In another sense, we are also striving to get ready for His second coming at the end of time when He will return as the King of Kings “in a cloud with power and great glory.” The Kingdom of God is right here in our midst, and yet we pray every day “Thy Kingdom come.” This reality is what theologians often refer to as the “already, but not yet” because the Kingdom is not yet fully realized. What are you waiting for?

I find it humorous that radio stations are playing Christmas tunes (already!), lights are twinkling in the trees around town, stores are geared up to sell-sell-sell, kiddos are scrambling to let ‘Santa’ know what they want for Christmas. Yet here we are at the beginning of Advent, kicking off the year with a classic ‘hellfire and brimstone’ Gospel reading! Today, we heard the proclamation of that great and glorious day when Our Lord will come again. Jesus told his disciples about the signs that will accompany His second coming. Signs that will frighten the powerful and terrify the unrepentant sinner. But, in the midst of His warnings about drunkenness, carousing, and such, Jesus interjected a joyful message for us. Jesus tells His faithful disciples to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” Yes, the end of the world is coming – but that does not mean it is to be a ‘doom and gloom’ event. On the contrary – for those who are vigilant – those who have prepared themselves and stand ready for the coming of the King of Kings, it will be a glorious and triumphant day indeed! It is the day when true Christians will be freed from the forces that oppress us – human weakness, sin, and the political and cultural factions that oppose the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the true Christian, the end of days Jesus describes is not terrifying at all. It is the beginning of true freedom. It is the day we receive our reward!

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to be vigilant – to stand guard – to be ready for His coming. What does that mean? To be vigilant is to be engaged in the constant daily effort to be free of enslavement to the things of this world. To rid oneself of sinful temptations to the flesh, to the eyes, to material things, to one’s own pride. To be vigilant is to draw closer to God daily by engaging in prayer, in reading of Sacred Scripture, and having a rich sacramental life in the Church. What are you waiting for?

Jesus gave us a warning that when He comes again, it will catch some by surprise. When we have bad days and things are not going how we want them to go, when we constantly try to cram too many activities into too little time, it is easy allow one’s heart to grow drowsy, cold, and callous. It is easy to fill one’s life chasing after comfort and pleasure - to grow indifferent to our Heavenly Father and the needs of His children on earth. It is easy to lose sight of the eternal relationship into which God invites us. The Christian life is not easy. Stay vigilant - do not get distracted and lost in the anxieties of daily life. Rediscover silence and stillness. Refocus on the heavenly life that is our destiny. What are you waiting for?

Christmas is coming in a few short weeks. The signs are everywhere. Christ is coming! Are the signs evident in our lives? As we begin this new year in the life of the Church, it is a good practice to stop and take inventory of our growth in faith over the past year. Are we happy with the progress we made drawing closer to God and conforming our life to the example of Jesus Christ? Or do we need to make some changes – some New Liturgical Year’s resolutions - to grow in conversion of heart and holiness of life? What are you waiting for?

We must prepare for the coming of Christ this Advent. Maybe you have been carrying around the burden of unconfessed sin for far too long. Christ waits in the confessional to heal that wound and restore your spiritual health. What are you waiting for? Perhaps you have been hesitant to use the gifts and talents God has given you in service to the parish or your neighbor. You will find fulfillment in your service to others. What are you waiting for? Maybe you are suffering from unforgiveness, clinging to a past hurt. It is time to leave it in the past and live in the present so your heart can be healed. What are you waiting for? Perhaps you are estranged from a family member and need reconciliation with them. Call or visit them this week. What are you waiting for?

Brothers and sisters, it is Christ Jesus for whom we as Church wait for this Advent season! We wait for Our Lord at Christmas when we will again sing His praises in the Gloria. We wait for Our King on the last day when we who are faithful Christians will receive our just reward, standing before the throne of our Heavenly Father. Dearest friends, today stand erect and raise your heads. Advent is a season of hope, faith, joy, and peace! Christ has come. Christ is coming. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

St. Joseph, Watchful Defender of Christ, Pray for Us!