First Sunday of Advent: C: November 28, 2021

 THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

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

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

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. The Prophet speaks about a future Messiah who will fulfill the promises of the Lord God that He made to the people of Israel. Jeremiah assures the people and all of us that the Messiah when He comes will bring justice and righteousness. The prophecy of Jeremiah finds its fulfillment with the birth of Jesus in the lineage of King David. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Paul explains some of the qualities we should have as we wait for the coming of the Lord. He says that we should be blameless before God the Father. He urges everyone to have love for one another so that we will be prepared for the second coming of the Lord. 

Your redemption is drawing near.                                                              We begin the liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent. The season of Advent has two-fold characteristics. First of all, it is a preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ. Secondly it reminds us of His second coming in glory at the end of times.                                                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The prophecy concerning the end of the world is described. It warns us to be prepared for that final day of reckoning. There will be dreadful portents in the universe and cosmic disturbances will take place. After all that, the second coming of the Lord will take place. Jesus will come in glory and power. We should not be found wanting on that day because that day will come without any warning. Hence we are urged to watch and pray and be ready to meet the Lord whenever He comes. The coming of the Lord will also signify the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus the Messiah will rule in God's name. Thus the season of Advent gives us an opportunity to look at our past life and also to look at the future with hope. It is a time to deepen our relationship with God and His beloved Son Jesus. 

"Advent is a clarion call to renew once more our engagements with  Good News, in a conscious and personal fashion." - Biblical resources. 

"Advent is the spiritual season of hope par excellence and in this season the whole Church is called to be hope for itself and for the world." - Pope Benedict XVI

"May this Advent season be a time of bringing hope, transformation and fulfillment into the Advent of our lives." - Edward Heys