First Sunday of Advent: C: December 1, 2024

       THE COMING OF LORD JESUS

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14 to 16

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

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

*The season of Advent has two-fold characteristics. First of all, it is a preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ which took place more than 2000 years ago. Secondly, it reminds us of His second coming in glory at the end of times. 

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah speaks about a future Messiah who will fulfill the promises of the Lord God that He made with the people of Israel. He assures the chosen people  and all of us that the Messiah when He comes will bring justice and righteousness. The prophecy of Jeremiah finds its fulfilment 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 to us about the qualities we should possess 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 redemptions is drawing near                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The prophecy concerning the end of the world is mentioned in detail. It warns us to be prepared for the final day of reckoning. There will be numerous dreadful portents and signs 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 all nations and kingdoms in the name of God. Thus the season of Advent is a time of preparation and it gives us an opportunity to look at our past life and also to look at the future with hope and joyful expectation. It is a time to deepen our relationship with God and His well-beloved Son Jesus. In this context, Biblical resources says: "Advent is a clarion call to renew once more our engagements with Good News, in a conscious and personal fashion." Pope Benedict XVI in one of his reflections says: "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." Edward Heys wishes: "May this Advent season be a time of bringing hope,  transformation and fulfilment into the Advent of our lives."

Possible ways of preparing for Advent:  1. Prayer: Set aside a few minutes each day to pray and reflect over the events of the first coming of Jesus in Bethlehem. Recapture those events from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. 2. Advent wreath: Prepare a wreath and bless it. Read reflections while gathered around the wreath each night. 3. Make an effort to reach out to people who are in difficulties financially or due to other reasons. Let the coming of Jesus bring them hope , joy and peace. 

May the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly during this season of Advent and give you hope and joyful expectation for His coming at this Christmas. Amen.

(Kindly note : Sunday  Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/ Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph December1, 2024)