Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent, 2024

Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5, 8-9,10,14; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2;

Be vigilant at all times…

… increase and abound in love…

In the rich readings of this first Liturgy of Advent, the Church provides much food for thought as we begin our new Church Year. We already know by faith that the Lord will come to us with fresh graces this year. Through each moment of this tender season, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit will provide opportunities for us to open ourselves to this year’s celebration of our Savior’s birth.

Being very still at times, and vigilant “at all times” (Lk Ch. 21) will help us attend to how He is coming to us this year. We hear God promise peace, providing blessings for which we hope (Jer Ch. 33). This makes us remember that Our Lord comes to right wrongs. Justice, giving each person what is due to him, starting with worship of our God, leads to peace. An Advent gift we can share is to spread the Lord’s peace by giving each person what is due to his dignity as a child of God.

In Psalm 25 and 1 Thess (Ch. 3) our Lord asks us to accomplish charitable works for our neighbor, to prove our love for God. The Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis and scheduled to begin this December 29th, similarly asks this of us. It echoes the Old Testament Jubilee Years of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. As this Church Year ends we need to ask ourselves, with whom do I need to reconcile? What debts should I pay? This is the way to peace, and to gain access to the Heart of the Prince of Peace.

Finally, I must remember that God entrusts me with this Advent Season of grace and longs for me to grow closer to Him. How can I let Him draw me closer? St. Therese affirmed that God would not ask us anything which we are unable to accomplish. He will help us unite with Him in this new Advent season. Be watchful and pray. Heaven is all around us.

As we rejoice in this mystically rich season, let us pray for those for whom this season brings more sorrow than comfort.

Brothers and sisters, dear friends, God will help us to do the good He asks of us. May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another.

God Bless you!

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