HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B (1)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B.

HOMILY THEME: RECOGNIZING THE MESSIAH WHEN HE COMES

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mt. 17:9-13)
First Day of Simbang Gabi
In the day’s Gospel Jesus was asked by His disciples regarding Elijah the prophet. It was their belief, as prophesied, that Elijah will come again as the harbinger of the Messiah. The prophet Elijah, according to the first reading was associated with fire, both in his character and preaching. He was God’s prophet. Jesus told His disciples that Elijah had come but was not recognized. They were led to the conclusion that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist. Many missed Elijah’s coming.

It follows then that they were bound to miss the Messiah too! Indeed they did. This is what Advent is about. This is also the intent of the Simbang Gabi masses we specially celebrate here in the Philippines. It would be tragic not to recognize the Lord when He comes.

The remaining days before Christmas are crucial for the successful recognition of the Lord. Basic is our celebration of the remembrance of Jesus’ first coming, His birth, the first Christmas.

According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus came on a silent and holy night. The angels announced His birth. A star guided the magi. He was born in a manger. We must be conscious of this. God did not come in a grand fashion except, maybe, the Incarnation. Who would have thought He will become one like us? Mary, herself, was stunned by that revelation. Nevertheless, expect the unexpected when Jesus comes again!

Do we guess? Human as we are, it will be a normal response. But it will do us nothing. Guessing will be a waste of time. St. Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians (2 Thes. 3:10ff) will be helpful here. While waiting for the Lord’s coming, many stopped working and became idle. Some were acting as busybodies. St. Paul reminded them that even when the Lord was with them, they were encouraged to continue their everyday activities. One who does not work, will not eat, was the consequence. St. Paul further told them to shy away from idle people and continue doing good works. In other words, the best preparation and welcome to the coming Lord is to live life fully doing good and following His commandments. It was also a warning to those who will take for granted Jesus’ coming and while their time doing what they want and worse, living in sin. Then, when the Lord comes, they will prepare. Jesus had warned us that when He comes again, it will be sudden ang unannounced like a thief in the night.

So, it is best to assess our life during these days of prayer and reflection. Do not worry. Christmas will be celebrated as joyful as we want. The Church does celebrate it. But not before we prepare for it. The best celebration will be one we prepared for. Reconcile with the Lord so that when He comes, we can welcome Him in our hearts.