Homily of the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year C

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Gospel: Luke 21:25-28; 34-36.

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, the ecclesiastical new year in the Catholic Church. It is the beginning of the Church’s annual liturgical cycle of feasts, a period of four weeks dedicated to preparation for Christmas. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and His anticipated return at the Parousia. This season invites us to reflect on the promise of divine restoration and the hope it brings to our lives.

We must repair our spiritual roads and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ as we embark on this Advent journey. This preparation involves introspection and a commitment to spiritual growth, allowing us to welcome Jesus into our lives with open hearts. It is a time to renew our faith and embrace the divine restoration that God promises to each of us. Join us as we reflect on the readings of this first Sunday of Advent, seeking divine restoration.

THE PROMISE OF DIVINE RESTORATION

In the first reading, through the Prophet Jeremiah, God promises to restore the Israelites, who are suffering terribly under Babylonian captivity due to their stubbornness. He vows to send a “righteous branch” from the Davidic dynasty, who will establish peace and justice in the world. In the same spirit, God extends His promise of divine restoration to all who are currently facing diverse challenges. By the power of the Holy Spirit, He will soon bring their predicaments to an end.

Ultimately, Jesus Christ, in the gospel, is revealed as that righteous branch, the Son of David and the Prince of Peace, who, out of love, came into the world to bring salvation to humanity. He fulfills the prophecy mentioned in the first reading. Through His disciples, He shares the imminent and profound revelations that will precede the end of the world, which are truly phenomenal. These events may manifest as wars, turmoil, international conflicts, and natural disasters with cosmic terrors.

LIFE’S CHALLENGES CAN SERVE AS A PATHWAY TO BLESSINGS

Challenges, misfortunes, turbulence, and difficulties are the most unavoidable parts of life’s journey. Some of these catastrophes, though terrific, tend to test our courage, strengths, weaknesses, and faith. However, most times, we may stumble upon obstacles that will come between the paths that we are destined to take.

Moreover, some obstacles may be blessings in disguise, though we often fail to recognize this at the time due to our fear of unforeseen circumstances. Others worry about not achieving their goals early in life, and even the fear of death can sometimes engender serious anxiety. For some, even while they are still alive, the turmoil in the world and the realization of their unpreparedness for judgment may cause them to succumb to fear. These fears can cloud our minds, preventing us from recognizing the moment of our divine restoration.

GENUINE LOVE: AN ANTIDOTE TO FEAR

As Christians, we have no reason to live in fear. Jesus Christ offers us words of encouragement, assuring us of divine restoration despite the catastrophes of our contemporary society. These impending cataclysms are signs that our divine restoration is near. The question is, can we face these calamities with confidence and courage? The answer is yes! How?

St. Paul asserts in the second reading that we can remain unperturbed amidst any unprecedented tribulation when we cultivate a genuine love for God and our fellow human beings. This love of God boosts our confidence and prepares us for the Parousia—the great day of judgment. As the Scripture says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1 John 4:18). Of course, genuine love is a powerful tool to overcome fear because “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

CONCLUSION

As we journey through this Advent season, the Church encourages us, through the readings of today and the coming Sundays, to prepare spiritually to welcome Jesus Christ into our hearts and share in His divinity. This preparation ensures that we may be found worthy and acceptable in His Kingdom when our earthly life expires. Thus, we can confidently stand before His throne on the last day.

Through the incarnation, God has offered humanity an eternal home of peace and happiness, free from sin and earthly limitations. To enter this eternal home, we must prepare spiritually by sincerely loving God and others. Also, we should always perform acts of charity, go to confession regularly, and forgive those who have wronged us. Therefore, let us commit to this spiritual journey, anchoring our hope on the promise of divine restoration as we anticipate Christ’s return. By cultivating genuine love for God and our neighbour, we can overcome fear and confidently face the challenges of our time.

PRAYER:

I pray that the Holy Spirit may increase your faith, hope, and love. May He grant you spiritual strength and power so that, without fear of any imminent tribulation, you may love God and your fellow human beings sincerely. When Christ finally comes at the Parousia, you will be admitted into God’s Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace of Christ be with you…

Rev. Fr. Ben Okala, C.S.Sp.