Reflection for First Sunday of Advent
Each Advent, as we look forward to celebrating the coming of Jesus, our savior and shepherd, we begin to prepare—amidst the usual reminders of tasks and projects that always seem to ramp up at this time of year.
This First Sunday of Advent, with its scripture readings and prayers, offers us the opportunity to ponder the promises that God has made to us and all of creation: to raise up for us a redeemer who comes as an infant but brings the fulness of the power of love.
Our Gospel passage with its description of the final events is not meant to frighten us, but to encourage and strengthen us. Amid whatever turmoil there might be, Jesus says “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption (release) is at hand—the promise of a release from being absorbed with the difficulties, suffering, and defeat that seem to plague this human world of ours.
Advent can revive for us a promise—a covenant: God in the coming of Jesus says to us: “I will never let go of you!”
So, as St. Paul proclaims, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all” Our Advent time can be a time when our loving God shows us the way and guides us to humbly give thanks for God’s gifts of deep love and promise.
Len Kraus, S.J.
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