First Sunday of Advent (Year B)

First Sunday of Advent December 03, 2023

Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1.3-8; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37

(image courtesy:Google)

“In his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, Jewish psychiatrist Viktor Frankl tells the story of how he survived the atrocities of the concentration camp at Auschwitz. Frankl says one of the worst sufferings at Auschwitz was waiting: waiting for the war to end; waiting for an uncertain date of release and waiting for death to end the agony. This waiting caused some prisoners to lose sight of future goals, to let go of their grip on present realities and give up the struggle. This same waiting made others like Frankl accept it as a challenge, as a test to their inner strength and a chance to discover deeper dimensions of freedom.”

In our daily routine of life we wait for something to take place, maybe we wait for a friend, for a bus or train, and there is the eagerness within us that makes us look forward to something new that will take place.  During Advent we look forward to Jesus who will come in a total gesture of love:  God becomes man.  The Gospel of Mark invites all to a spiritual vigilance.   He tells us all to be ever alert so that the coming of the Son does not find us unprepared for no one knows the day or hour of his coming.

As we light the first Advent candle today, symbolizing hope, we are reminded of the longing and anticipation that characterized the hearts of people centuries ago. The prophets of old spoke of a promised Messiah, a light to illuminate the darkness, and a saviour who would bring hope and redemption to a world yearning for deliverance.

The Gospel passage for this First Sunday of Advent invites us to be vigilant and watchful, to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. It's a call to wakefulness—to be attentive to the signs of God's presence in our lives, to recognize His gentle nudges amidst the noise of our daily routines.

Advent is not merely a historical recounting of events; it's a time of active waiting and preparation. It invites us to examine our hearts, to reflect on the state of our relationship with God, and to renew our commitment to living as faithful disciples. Hope, the theme of this first candle, is not a passive wish for better circumstances. It is a profound trust in God's promises—a belief that despite the darkness that may surround us, the light of Christ will ultimately prevail. It's this hope that sustains us, that encourages us to persevere through challenges, and that infuses our lives with purpose and meaning.

In a world often fraught with uncertainty, injustice, wars and discord, the message of hope proclaimed by the birth of Jesus Christ is more relevant than ever. It's a hope that transcends human limitations—a hope that speaks of God's unwavering love for His creation.

As we journey through this season of Advent, let us not only prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth but also ready our hearts to receive Him anew each day. Let us carve out moments of silence amid the clamour, creating spaces for prayer, reflection, and communion with God.

Moreover, Advent calls us to action—to be agents of hope and transformation in our communities and beyond. It challenges us to extend compassion to the marginalized, to be peacemakers in times of conflict, and to sow seeds of kindness and understanding.

As we eagerly await the celebration of the Nativity, let us embrace the spirit of Advent wholeheartedly. Let us cultivate hope within ourselves, nurture our faith, and actively live out the message of love and reconciliation that Christ brought into the world.

A story comes to us from Eastern mysticism: A monk asked, “Abbot, what has God’s wisdom taught you? Did you become divine?” “Not at all!” “Did you become a saint?” “No, as you can clearly see.” “What then, O Abbot?” “I became awake!”

Let this advent awaken us to live a life of hope.  

I wish you a grace-filled season of Advent.

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