THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT ”The season of Advent is like springtime in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this to us - to refresh us and make us healthy, to be able to receive Christ in whatever form he may come to us.” Today, the church begins a new liturgical season (year A). Advent is derived from a Latin phrase, "AD VENIRE", meaning ”to come.” It is a period for spiritual preparation in our hearts and minds to meet the Lord’s coming. We meditate on Jesus’s coming in three ways:
The liturgical and theological import of Advent is portrayed by the call to PRAYER, PENANCE and SACRIFICE; which is characterized by the color purple (violet). The significance and impact of this season are captured in the symbolism of the advent wreath that reminds us about immortality and the promise of God’s everlasting life through Christ. This should encourage us to contemplate the essence of the coming of Christ. Every element of the wreath throws light on our faith and our hope in the promise of eternal life to come. The first candle (1st week) stands for HOPE. It is also called ”THE PROPHECY CANDLE,” which highlights the expectations felt in the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah as foretold by the prophet Isaiah about the birth of Christ. The second candle (2nd week) signifies FAITH. Also known as ”BETHLEHEM CANDLE”: the exemplary fidelity of Mary and Joseph who journeyed to Bethlehem to make the prophecy come through. The third candle (pink, 3rd week) elicits JOY; identified as ”SHEPHERD CANDLE.” Because we are at the midpoint of the season, the Church describes it as ”GAUDATE SUNDAY.” Persevering hope and resilient faith will lead us to discover our joy like the Shepherds. The fourth candle (4th Sunday) emphasizes PEACE; called ”ANGELS CANDLE.” This reminds us of the message of the angels, ”Peace on earth, Goodwill toward men.” Indeed, this is what Christ represents, The Prince of Peace. In modern times, there is an introduction of a fifth candle (white in color) which stands for LIFE (PURITY). They call it ”CHRIST CANDLE”; placed in the middle of the four and lit on Christmas Eve to teach about the sinless Christ, pure Savior who gives eternal life. The evergreen wreath reminds us of continuous life. The circle of the wreath means ”no beginning or end”, implying the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul and the everlasting life we find in Christ Jesus. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering (triumph over sin). The pine, holly and yew stand for immortality. The cedar portrays strength and healing. The pine cones speak to us about life and resurrection. That is why, my dear family of God, in our first reading the prophet Isaiah talks about all nations making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to affirm their faith in one true God. Advent is a season of refreshment and renewal. As we are hoping against hope in anticipation for the birth of Christ we have to take ”spiritual pilgrimage” in prayer, penance and sacrifice to refresh and renew our commitment, loyalty and fidelity to the Prince of Peace. So in our attempt to embark on this journey, the Apostle Paul in our second reading teaches us how we can practically achieve our goal. He admonishes us that we should discharge our duties properly by freeing ourselves from our former and ordinary way of life. We must eschew the tendencies toward vices and impure acts. Rather we should be models of virtues. Finally, Jesus Christ in our gospel readings insists on the urgency of vigilant preparation on our part to meet him. Meaning, Advent is a golden opportunity to put ourselves in order to celebrate the joy of Christmas. This demands serious intrapersonal introspection and working on your interpersonal relationships. Reach out for the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). Intensify your spiritual communication with God (prayer) and be ready to let go of your personal comforts for the sake of another person (sacrifice). May the coming of Christ be a dream come true in your life. Enjoy the beauty of the snow... but be careful when walking or driving! You are in my prayers. Love you. Fr. Emmanuel In 1925 at the promulgation of the feast of Christ The King, Pope Pius XI made a a timeless statement. He said in Latin ”Pax Christi in regno Christi”, to wit, ”The Peace of Christ in the reign of Christ.” Unfortunately, in the history of mankind, man has striven to seek peace, but peace seems to be straddling the fence. Peace in and around every person creates a suitable environment for progress and success. But have we ever sincerely reflected on the actual source of peace? Sadly enough, we claim we are searching for peace but we look for it from wrong places instead of going to Jesus Christ. We have been hoodwinked into accepting that we are in charge of everything including our destiny. It is only a cliche! This reminds me of a funny (joke) piece of advice a mother received from her son. The mother was tired of struggling with her strong-willed little son, Thomas. She looked him in the eye and asked him a question she felt should bring him in line: ”Thomas, who is in charge here?” Not missing a beat, he replied, ”Jesus is, and not you mom.” LOL As we close the liturgical year the church reminds us who is in charge of our lives and where we ought to accord our loyalty. Everything begins with him and culminates with him. We celebrate the enthronement of the victorious Christ as King in Heaven in all his glory. Our first reading indicates how and why David was anointed as the king of Israel. As the king, he was the viceroy of God in the midst of the people. He ruled according to the mind and the rule of God. As Christians, we are called to acknowledge authority and leadership in our society and families. Also, as people called to authority and leadership we are to act in accordance with the will of God but not according to our own parochial whims and caprices. That is why Apostle Paul seeks to correct the misconception circulating among the newly converts Christians concerning the authority of Christ. He insisted that, ”...For in him were created all things in heaven and earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him...” (Col 1:16) Sisters and Brothers in Christ, this encourages us that, like it or not, we must accept Jesus Christ as our God, our Savior and our King and allow him to rule our lives. He is indeed in charge, but not you! Christ must be in full charge of our lives; give him sovereign power over our bodies, our thoughts, our hearts and our will. Without him, you are naught! Finally, the gospel reading showcases how the persecutors of Jesus sneered, jeered and reviled him while he was hanged on the cross. Little did they know that in their mockery they were rather affirming his Kingship and proclaiming his Kingdom in disguise. He is indeed a king with a saving and liberating mission: freeing us from all types of bondage, enabling us to live peacefully and happily on earth, promising us an inheritance in the eternal life of heaven. The cross is his throne. His sermon on the mount his rule of law. So as Christians we can live in peace only when we surrender our lives to him everyday. When we give priority to his teachings in our daily choices and moral decisions. By this, we declare our loyalty to him by the quality of our fidelity and commitment: expressed in service, love and solidarity. This sustains our opportunity to be the children and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven. What is your priority in life? Let Jesus Christ be your first priority... Let him be your King... Your loyalty and fidelity to him will change your life story... May God increase our faith! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving week. May your celebration be a fantastic one!! Try to visit (call) your family... Enjoy the chills... Don't forget to bundle up and drive safely! God bless you. Love you. Fr. Emmanuel |
Fr. EmmanuelFr. Emmanuel hails from Ghana and is passionate about the Gospel and bringing the love of Christ to all people. He speaks several languages, enjoys soccer and cooking, and loves St. Francis of Assisi. Archives
April 2021
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