By Deacon Mark Solak (Guest Contributor)–
Homily, 1st Sunday of Advent, Cycle C November 28, 2021
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, and a new liturgical year in the Church. It’s a special season, with a distinct two-part message.
It is indeed a nearly month-long season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ, the Word Made Flesh, into the world, for His mission of Redemption. Jesus’ birth occurred under the simplest of circumstances. His humble earthly beginnings did not reflect the monumental impacts of his life and mission.
Also, as we move through the season we are reminded of Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Our readings hold some important messages for us – especially to always be as ready as possible for His second coming, the timing of which is not known. Rather, we are to live our faith daily and maintain readiness for His next coming, to strive to remain in a state of grace.
In light of these monumental things, as we “ramp up” for the celebration of Christmas and beyond, we are also called to assess where we currently are in our faith – in our readiness to meet the Lord, whenever that moment may come.
We can ask ourselves who we really are, what our priorities are, and honestly assess our dependence on God and His providence – namely, how open we really are, or are not, to God’s intense and personal love. How earnestly do we seek God’s’ will for our lives?
It boils down to the kind of welcome or reception we’re preparing for Jesus when He comes to us.
In situations where someone is invited to “buy into” whatever another is proposing, the introduction of a sense of urgency can be a powerful tool, to get someone “off the fence” and make a decision and a commitment.
We have little or no need for prompting regarding the celebration of Christmas each year, with its known parameters. The reality is that it can be a bit more challenging regarding Christ’s second coming and its effects on our daily lives. The timing is unknown to all but the Father.
It could be tomorrow!
Further, odds are that we’ll not see Jesus’ second coming personally during our time on earth. Rather, our individual end of this, our temporary duty on earth, may come at any time, regardless of our readiness. It may be very soon or many decades away. Only God knows precisely. Thus the elements of uncertainty and urgency enter into the calculus, so that, that day hopefully does not catch us by surprise or unready.
Given these things, I think you will agree that procrastination regarding our readiness seems ill-advised.
The Church in its wisdom has established seasons of our faith, as golden opportunities for personal spiritual assessment, for deepening of our relationship with the Lord, for sharpening our focus and priorities in life, especially in light of the peace of soul and countless gifts that God offers to us and the joy associated with them. Advent is such a season.
Perhaps this Advent and Christmas will be the time for a close scrutiny of where we are and a decision to follow the path to God, and all the joy that can come with a closer walk with the Lord.
So, can we identify areas of our lives that need improvement or elimination? Perhaps it’s a weak prayer life, which is so foundational to our spiritual well-being. Maybe it’s chronic irritability, treating others badly, or nagging, or laziness, or maybe even weak appreciation for the tremendous gift of the Eucharist.
Whatever our situation may be, God is always waiting with open arms. We can increase our practices of prayer, penance and works of mercy, all of which are powerful means toward that closer walk with the Lord.
May this Advent and Christmas be pivotal in our personal faith journey!
*Mark Solak is a Catholic deacon assigned to Saint Thomas More Catholic Parish in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
