Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Isaiah 11:1-10; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans 15:4-9; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 3:1-12
On this First Sunday of Advent, we can focus some on the fact that in order to recognize God’s gift of salvation, we need an attentive mind, an unbiased heart, a wholesome attitude and a tendency toward seeking and finding goodness. If we don’t have these attitudes, then what is really important will pass us by, and Jesus will have a difficult time in getting through to us. Of course, with God all things are possible, but our task is to assist in the process and make the way smooth and straight for our God.
As we prepare during Advent for the annual celebration commemorating the birth in Bethlehem of our Savior Jesus Christ, we have to let God’s word in Sacred Scripture penetrate our minds and hearts, for a true reception of the message being conveyed to us by God. That will make the Advent Season much more than complying with a series of religious practices or good intentions, but of really entering into the mystery of God becoming human, so that we might share in Divine Life.
“The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” Jesus tells his hearers. In other words, expected the unexpected, be ready at all times, don’t be drowsy or asleep when the Lord is trying to enter our lives here and now. We need to be ready at all times for the necessary transformation God desires for each human being. The transformation means growing in the likeness of God in whose image we are made.
The prophetic teaching of this Sunday’s first reading a Mass, from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, is a vision of world salvation and a high point in the prophetic teaching about God’s desire that all people be saved. The message of the Prophet breaks through the seemingly impenetrable clouds, to actually show the highest mountain peak, leaving all other hills and mountains lost, because when God comes, all the earth bows down in wonder.
God’s plan for the human race is that all come and find rest in God’s outstretched arms. This is something that is marvelous to behold, and cause for profound comfort and great rejoicing.
In his public ministry, Jesus indicated with examples, such as that of the Good Samaritan, that ultimately all peoples were and are and will be eligible for the gift of redemption, freely bestowed on all humankind.
We should think of Advent as a time for peace of heart and in our surroundings, not as a mad dash to make everything perfect by Christmas. We need, instead, to be more attentive to detect those hints or signals by which God wants to lead us out of darkness, into light, freeing us from prejudice and fear. Advent reminds us that Christ is and will be born for us, as individuals and as a Church.
Despite the repeated preparation of the Old Testament Scriptures, the birth of Jesus took the people by surprise! Yes, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but in fact outside the city. He came in the fullness of time, but people then and now find self-centered pursuits that inhibit meeting the Redeemer. The people of the past and today as well, maybe even ourselves, have no “time” to think of what God might want of us and what we need to do. People tend to want to “do it all” themselves!
During Advent we are asked to prepare for surprises, even sudden changes. Yet how does one get ready for the unknown? Principally by patience, by listening, by tolerance, by affirming others in their good intentions and brave endeavors. We are called to believe in the hidden treasures within ourselves and in others. When that occurs, God can more easily enter into our lives and abide with us.
Saint Paul advises his hearers, to cultivate genuine sincerity and wholeness in living out one’s life. Out natural good and the goodness of others needs to be summoned from sleep, because, as Saint Paul clearly states: “Your salvation is closer now than when we first accepted the faith.”
May the Lord cleanse us from false values and artificial pleasures, as well as from selfishness and narrow interests. Let us be ready for the hour of the Lord’s coming, which may take us by surprise, but hopeful a pleasant surprise, because we will be truly ready when the Lord knocks and comes to fulfill the most secret desires of our hearts!
Abbot Christian Leisy, OSB