The First Sunday of Advent (Year A), Nov. 28, 2004
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Rom. 13:8-14; Matt. 24:37-44
As the church year begins anew and the season of Advent is again upon us, we’re reminded that this time before Christmas is far more than just a period of frantic shopping and of stringing up lights. Today’s readings focus our attention on the promised coming of the kingdom in its fullness. They also provide useful guidelines for us as we prepare for the Lord’s coming in glory.
The prophet Isaiah provides us with a compelling vision of the age which is surely coming. When the present order has come to an end, a wonderful new Jerusalem shall be established in its place. “The mountain of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains,” and “all the nations shall stream to it” (2:2). The Lord’s rule will extend to all people everywhere; lasting justice and peace shall prevail forever. The nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (2:4).
Jesus himself calls us to abandon complacency, and even now to prepare in earnestness for his coming in triumph. Just as the flood in the days of Noah came at an unexpected time, he points out, so it will be with the coming of the day of the Lord. The kingdom arrives, he assures us, when we very least expect it. “Therefore you also must be ready,” he warns us, “for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour” (Matt. 24:44).
So how is it that we get prepared and stay prepared for the second Advent? How can we constantly be ready for the coming of the Savior in triumph? Paul assures us that it’s really quite simple. We’re prepared to meet the Lord to the extent that we live out his kingdom’s values here and now. We’re to honor and respect one another without qualification. We’re to apologize when we offend the sensibilities of our sisters and brothers, even when we know we haven’t done wrong. We’re to refrain from breaking the trust of others, and to put their well being above our own happiness -- even though we have a “right” to be happy. We’re ready for the kingdom when we follow this one basic precept: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is because “[l]ove does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:9c-14).
Today’s readings remind us of the glories of the kingdom for which we hope. They also challenge us through its immanence to live lives which are worthy of our high calling.
Look It Up
How do the scriptures describe worship in the heavenly Jerusalem? (Rev. 7:9-17).
Think About It
In what ways does our Sunday liturgy help us to prepare for the Lord’s coming?
Next Sunday
The Second Sunday of Advent (Year A), Dec. 5, 2004
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72 or 72:1-8; Rom. 15:4-13; Matt. 3:1-12
