FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
29 NOVEMBER 2015
During
the last few weeks, the horrifying presence of terrorism has again reared its
ugly head. We have seen images of the
destruction wrought by the Islamic State in the killings in Lebanon, the
downing of the Russian plane in the Sinai, and murderous and random attacks in
Paris. We went into the Thanksgiving
Holiday with warnings about possible attacks by terrorists in our country. We were warned to be vigilant and watchful,
lest we fall victim to the murderous acts of terrorists ourselves.
Given what we have seen in these
last weeks, the last thing we need to hear is more terror and destruction when
we come to Mass on the First Sunday of Advent and the first day of this new
Liturgical Year. But, that seems to be
the case. Jeremiah speaks from the
perspective of Jerusalem completely destroyed by Babylonian invaders five
centuries before the birth of Christ. The
Babylonians came from the area we now know as Iraq and have already murdered
the king, who had been a descendant of David.
In the midst of terror and destruction, Jeremiah encourages his people
to remain hopeful. The days are coming, he
says, when the Lord will raise up from the downed tree of Jesse a just shoot to
bring safety and security.
Jesus also
speaks about destruction and terrors.
Saint Luke clearly identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s
prophecy. He is the just shoot, the Son
of David. He is the Son of Man who will
come in a cloud with power and great glory.
Jerusalem may have been safe and secure at the time when Jesus speaks
these words. The Temple is being
rebuilt. People are carrying on their
business as usual. But by the time Saint
Luke wrote this Gospel, both the city of Jerusalem and the beautifully restored
Temple have been destroyed by the Romans.
Using the horrors of that destruction, he records the words of Jesus to
warn us to remain alert and watchful for the day when the Lord will come again
at the end of the world.
The media
reports about the scourge of modern terrorism cause fear and dread. That is what the terrorists want. They want us to lock ourselves behind doors
and cower in fear. But, that is not the
intention of today’s Scripture readings.
While both Jeremiah and Jesus speak of frightening realities, both of
them promise that God will save us. We
gather to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at this
Mass. Jesus has already freed us from
the power of sin and death. But we live
that Mystery in an imperfect and sinful world.
Jesus uses traditional apocalyptic images and language to speak of the
way in which our world will end. Taking
the advice of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, we can face the end of our
world, not by cowering in fear behind locked doors, but by giving of ourselves
in active service of God and neighbor.
This is not
the message we receive from our culture.
Our culture tells us that the “Holiday Season” can bring us relief and
comfort. As long as we prepare
everything carefully and buy the best gifts, we can create a safe and happy
“holiday,” surrounded by comforting music and bright lights. There is nothing wrong with making
preparations and buying gifts for those we love. There is nothing wrong with the music and
lights of the Season. But, these passing
realities cannot bring lasting peace.
Only God can bring a peace that will never end.
That is why
Advent is so important. Advent invites
us to sit in the darkness for a while and face the painful realities of our
lives and of our world. Advent invites
us to examine how well we actively love God and neighbor. Advent gives us time to accept the Lord’s
mercy and make important changes in our lives.
Advent reminds us that God came in the person of a tiny baby born into
poverty. Just as no one had expected God
to come in that way, Advent helps us to face the end with hope. Stand erect and raise our heads, because our
redemption is at hand.
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