Advent

First Sunday of Advent
Matthew 24:37-44

Sunday marks the beginning of Advent and a new Church year. Advent provides an opportunity for reflection. Our focus centers on three areas, the birth of Christ, the second coming of Christ and discovering ways to invite Christ into our daily lives during Advent and through out the year.

We are familiar with the persons place and circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ. So familiar in fact that we may not see the benefit of reflecting on this wondrous event. But consider just a few topics that come to mind, Mary’s role in salvation history. Jesus is the son of God and son of Mary. The star, shepherds and wise men led to the stable. A king set on derailing God’s plan of salvation. The birth of Jesus provides a wealth of opportunity to reflect on how this single event has changed our lives.

Our scripture reading from the gospel of Matthew centers on the second coming of our Lord. Jesus used the days of Noah as a back drop to explain his return to earth. Advent encourages us to reflect on our spiritual readiness for the return of our lord. Are we ready if the Lord were to return today? The good news as long as there is life there is hope. If you find your spiritual life has gotten off track Advent offers a great opportunity to get back on track.

Inviting Christ into our daily lives sure sounds simple enough but trust me it’s not. The invite is easy enough but seeing Christ and finding ways and having the courage to let him control all aspects of our lives is not. Advent if we take the time to reflect can help us find the Lord in nature people and the events of every day life. Can you see him in the suffering of others? Is he visible to us in natural disasters? How about when we experience a job loss? Seems easy to see Christ in the good times of our lives. Consider this Jesus suffered should we expect less? I think not. We need to see Christ in all things. What better way to spiritually train than spending time during Advent reflecting on the birth and seconding coming of the Lord and making room for him in our lives.

Remember there was no room for him in the Inn the Savior of the world was born in a stable. Are we guilty of not making room for Jesus? The liturgical year provides us with the method and means to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons to the benefit of our souls.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent a new beginning a fresh start, make a commitment to attend mass each Sunday throughout Advent. Make time to reflect on the true meaning of the season. God will honor your commitment and you will experience the Lord’s presence in a fuller way.

Have a blessed Advent