First Sunday of Advent
Sunday Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 4:2 & Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Almost everyone has begun to ask, "So have your preparations for Christmas begun?" The answer to this statement is, "Oh! Yes." And there goes the litany of all the external preparations we have been doing over the past few years. And this year will be a repeat performance.
As you read today's Gospel text, we could surmise that this was not what the early Christians had in mind. The focus of the early Christians was Christ second coming in glory.
The gospel begins with cosmic powers at work. The text was written when those persecuted were reassured of hope amid their trials and tribulations. The hope that Luke assures is to be vigilant - to stay awake and be on your guard.
It is true at all times and in all walks of life. We cannot be lethargic and mournful of the past that weighs down and saps all our energies. Praying at all times will strengthen you if you are burdened and tired of carrying certain baggage that makes you feel weak.
Why do we need to do all this? The answer is because you need strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Truly Christmas has a festive flavor, and we could all be caught up in the external preparations losing sight of Christ second coming in glory.
May nothing deter us from holding our heads high and being focused on Christ because it is in him that our redemption is drawing near. May this Advent help us to be vigilant and focus on Christ our Saviour.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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