FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT A
AN EXCITING MORNING!
MT 24: 37-44
MESSAGE
As we begin Advent this year, let us take inspiration from St. Paul’s analogy in the second reading, and adopt it as our attitude toward this season of grace. Let us welcome Advent as we would welcome a new day! The morning light is breaking through; the dawn is gently rising! Some people wait for dawn with heaviness or anxiety; others greet the first light with joy and gladness.
Some of us simply wait for morning because sleep has escaped us… lying restless in bed, counting the hours, eyes closed but minds active, hearts burdened with many cares. The body may be tired or weak, the spirit worn, or even the will hesitant to rise and embrace the light.
But as Christians, we wait eagerly for daylight. We know that night will always give way to morning; darkness will be overcome by radiance; slumber will be replaced by action. Our posture of welcoming the coming day mirrors our excitement for the coming Lord with our readiness to surrender the dark corners of our souls to His light, and mirrors, too, our gratitude that once again, something new and life-giving is approaching.
Yes, we do not know the exact day or hour of the Lord’s coming. But with hearts open and alert, the soul sensitive to His quiet presence, we wait with arms ready to embrace the One who loves us most.
REFLECT
Are we ready for a new day? Are we yearning for God to bring us to the light again and illumine the dark areas of sin, shame, and pain that afflict us? Lord Jesus, in this season of Advent, come to me as the New Day of promise, healing, and freedom!
