Sunday Reflections | First Sunday of Advent

By SIDTP SoCom

Published on December 1, 2024

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.”

This Gospel invites us to look beyond the uncertainties and challenges of life to the promise of hope and redemption that Jesus offers. While the imagery of cosmic signs and distress on earth may seem intimidating, these words from Jesus remind us that God’s plan is unfolding, and His ultimate goal is to bring us to eternal life with Him.

Jesus urges us not to let fear or anxiety control us. Instead, He calls us to stand erect and raise our heads because our redemption is near. This posture is one of confidence and trust, not in our own strength, but in the love and power of God. Even in the darkest moments, we are reminded that Christ is with us, guiding and saving us.

At the same time, Jesus gives us a warning. He tells us to guard our hearts from becoming drowsy. This drowsiness can come from distractions in the world, such as chasing after fleeting pleasures or being consumed by worry and stress. It can also stem from spiritual laziness, putting off prayer and neglecting our relationship with God. Jesus urges us to stay awake and vigilant, not with fear but with joyful readiness.

Prayer is key to remaining connected to God. Through prayer, we open our hearts to His grace and find the strength to navigate life’s challenges. Prayer can be as simple as thanking God for the blessings of the day, asking for His guidance, or sitting quietly in His presence. It keeps our faith alive and our hearts attuned to His will.

This Gospel also reminds us of the importance of hope. The signs Jesus describes are not meant to scare us but to assure us that God’s plan is in motion. The coming of the Son of Man is a moment of great joy and fulfillment. It is not a time to fear but a time to prepare with open and trusting hearts.

As we enter this Advent season, let us take time to reflect on how we are living. Are we focused on what truly matters—our relationship with God and how we love and serve others? Are we allowing the distractions and anxieties of life to weigh us down? Advent is a time of preparation, not just for Christmas, but for the coming of Christ in glory.

Let us use this time to renew our commitment to prayer, deepen our faith, and live with hope and joy. Jesus, our Redeemer, is near. Let us lift our heads and stand ready to welcome Him with open hearts.