HOMILY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT — YEAR C
HOMILY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?
BY: Fr. Casmir Nkamuke
Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thess 3:12- 4:2; Lk 21: 25-28.34-36
Introduction: Today, we begin the new Liturgical year C with the advent season. During this season, we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ in history 2000 years ago, and to welcome him worthily and blamelessly when he comes again in glory. The readings of today, and of the entire Advent season, inspires in us perseverance and hope for the glorious salvation that the coming of Christ offers. As we begin the season, let us reflect on our preparedness for the Lord’s coming.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
In the prophecy of Jeremiah, the coming of the Messiah, a virtuous branch growing for David, shall through honesty and integrity, save and restore the confidence of the people of Israel who at that time were under the yoke of Babylonian exile. God assures us through Jeremiah that he is going to fulfil his promise of the restoration of human race. Saint Paul admonishes to prepare for this restoration by growing in holiness and virtue. This will make us blameless in God’s sight at his coming.
In the gospel, Jesus emphasises the need to remain fervent in prayers and faith as we prepare for the glorious coming of the Lord. Most importantly, he admonishes us not to interpret the challenges in life as the absence of God, but rather to see them as the signs that heralds our liberation.
Beloved in the Lord, the aura of Christmas is in the air already. This is evident in the decorations, carols, and preparations for vacations. The birthday of Christ is worth all publicity and attention attached to it. His coming in history 2000 years ago brought joy and hope to the world. At his second coming in glory, we will experience even greater joy. As we gradually approach this great feast, we must daily ask ourselves how prepared we are to welcome Jesus in the world, in the family, and in our lives.
The decoration of homes, organisation of Christmas parties, and other physical preparation are wonderful signs of our preparedness to receive Christ. Beyond these however, we must also prepare our hearts and minds to receive him. By making peace with God and with our neighbours, by growing in virtue and holiness, and by living our daily lives in expectation of the Lord’s coming, we prepare ourselves to perfectly receive Christ when he comes.
May God give us the grace to partake in the joy of Christ’s coming in history and his coming in glory. May all our daily actions and thoughts prepare us well to share this glorious joy. May the pleasures and the challenges of life always draw us closer and never apart our hope in the glorious coming of the Lord.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>
Dear friends in Christ, We rely on you to upset our bills. To keep us going, please click any of the “Donation” buttons and support us. Remember we also pray for YOU>>>>>
