Advent First Sunday

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36)

Today is the First Sunday of Advent, and our Gospel reading from Luke gives us a warning.  He tells us that “tribulations” are imminent, but we can “escape” if we are vigilant and pray.  If we are, then we can avoid great troubles or sufferings.  This is a somewhat strange reading to provide on this Sunday, especially because it seems to conflict with the first from Jeremiah (33:14-16): The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”

Perhaps these readings focus on our having to do “what is right and just in the land.”  Otherwise, we will have troubles and sufferings.  Moreover, we will not be safe and secure.  On this first Sunday of Advent we must all gather and consider the serious consequences of a divided nation and our doing what is clearly wrong and unjust.  Many of us tend not to love our neighbors or pay them even a modicum of respect.  

Jesus is coming.  He will say to us: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Let’s recognize the signs and prevent “what is coming upon the world.” That would be all which destroys the “just shoot” through hatred, envy, greed, hypocrisy, and corruption.  Our remedy to this destruction is the promotion of hope, peace, joy, and love.  Let's light the candles!

Deacon David Pierce