Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent (C) – December 2, 2018
Gospel 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
If the Gospel means Good News, we might wonder what good news there is in this Sunday’s Gospel which warns of the fright that will come upon the earth at the end of time. We might wonder why we are even hearing this reading on the first Sunday of Advent and the new Church year in the first place. Jesus says, “They will see the Son of Man, coming in a cloud with power and great glory” and, “when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” We will do well then, whoever is living on earth at that time, to stand erect and raise our heads, because amid the roaring waves, the threatening tumult of creation, and all that appears frightening will stand Christ, our salvation. In preparation, we are called to be attentive and to rise above the traps of everyday life which consume us, because we are united to One who loves us, gifts us with his presence, and is coming to us again.
Perhaps this Sunday’s Gospel is encouraging us to cultivate the same attentiveness now, too; to stand up, to raise our heads, keep our eyes open, and prepare our hearts, because amid the busyness of the end of the semester, and the threatening noise that comes in the form of our own questions, fears, anxieties, and worries, comes our salvation. Yet rather than in a cloud with great power, the One we’re waiting for in this new season comes to us defenseless – wrapped gently with glory as an innocent baby in a manger. Even as the semester escalates before us, we have the chance to stand up and raise our heads in confidence before the Lord. Together, let us pray for peace, patience, and the grace to prepare our hearts and let Jesus enter into our lives in a new and even deeper way this Advent season.
Hymn Take Comfort, My People
Take comfort, my people, make straight the crooked way,
Prepare within your hearts a place to hold the light of day.
Bring a word of light resilient, let our love increase;
Take comfort, my people, and sing a song of peace.
Take comfort, my people, and cast aside all fear.
Rejoice amidst your waiting for the Prince of Peace is near.
Bring a word of light resplendent, let our faith increase;
Take comfort, my people, and sing a song of peace.
Take comfort, my people, and climb the mountain high,
Awake from sleep, make loud your voice, the bridegroom’s time is nigh!
Bring a word of light remembered, let our trust increase;
Take comfort, my people, and sing a song of peace.