HOMILY OF FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT — YEAR C
HOMILY OF FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: IS MY HEART HABITABLE FOR HIS COMING?
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thess 3:12- 4:2; Lk 21: 25-28.34-36
“Now, therefore, the Lord says: “Be converted to me with your whole heart, in fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12)
Say to them: “As I live, says the Lord God, I do not desire the death of the impious, but that the impious should convert from his way and live. (Ezekiel 33:11)
We thank the good lord for the graces received so far and for another opportunity to witness yet another season of the year. May his name be praised forever more! Amen
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Advent is the season that begins the liturgical year. It originated I the early church as a short period of intense preparation for the celebration of the nativity of the lord come December 25. Advent cake to be structured into four Sundays with proper readings and prayers on hope, peace, joy and love. This season is marked by devout and joyful expectations as we recall the first humble coming of the lord to Bethlehem. At the same time, we are invited to direct our minds and hearts towards Christ’s final coming in glory at the end of time. Therefore, our welcoming of the lord in our daily life is the best way for us to prepare for Jesus’ coming in glory at the end of time .
Is there anything in our lives which holds us back from the joy and freedom of the Lord? God wants our hearts for him and for his kingdom. But our hearts can be weighed down by many cares and by sin. Jesus offers us true freedom, freedom from the power of sin and of wastefulness, wasting ourselves on unnecessary things which keep us from God. Jesus offers us freedom from the power of addictions and from slavery to our passions, making food, drink or other things our master rather than our servant. And Jesus offers us freedom from the power of crippling anxieties and needless cares– being overwhelmed by fear rather than consumed with the love of God.
Jesus warns us of the temptation to slacken off— to become lethargic or to fall asleep spiritually. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or to be weighed down with troubles. The Lord knows our shortcomings and struggles and he gives us the grace to bear our burdens and to walk in his way of holiness. But there is one thing he doesn’t tolerate: indifference or being passive when we should be actively seeking God, and an attitude of not caring and doing nothing! God expects us more of us than we can do by ourselves. His grace is sufficient! He expects us to be actively watching for his visitation, and to pray specifically for the strength to persevere in the faith, to endure trials which come our way, and to escape from temptation to sin, especially from apostasy— the denial of Christ out of fear or pride. God is ever ready to fill us with his grace, strength, and power. Is our hearts hungry for God or is it weighed down by other things?
Reflection: Advent reminds us that we are pilgrims!
PRAYER: Lord, you fill us with all good things. Fill our hearts with the love, peace, joy, and righteousness of your kingdom. May the fire of the Holy Spirit inflame our hearts with an eager longing for you and for your return. Amen
Happy Sunday and New Month!
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