Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

First Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 1, 2019

Readings: Is 2:1-5; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2,3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 

Rom 13:11-14; Gospel Mat 24:37-44.

Theme: The Joy of Waiting

Introduction

Friends in Christ, I welcome you heartily to another Advent season. The word Advent comes from the Latin, adventus which means “coming” – the word is synonymous with the Greek Parousia which also stands for (coming). As a season of waiting for something really important, Advent is about both the preparation of the annual celebration of the birth of Christ and his second coming. Little wonder in the gospel (Mat 24:37-44) Jesus likens his Parousia (coming) to the days of Noah, before and after the flood. It would seem that there are three kinds of coming: his incarnation, his coming every Christmas and his second coming in glory (Parousia).

 

Advent is a period of waiting. We know that there are various kinds of waiting. For example: A patient waiting for his doctor; an expectant mother for her child; a farm for a bumper harvest; a student for his result; a passenger for a taxi et al. What is common in all these is the fact that no one can predict the outcome – it can be either way. What makes Advent unique is “quality assurance.” We are 100% assured that Christ will come again in glory because over two thousand years ago and his words are true – he cannot lie to us. So, Advent is about a joyous expectation. This is the thrust of this season.  

Background and Summary of Readings

The first reading (Is 2:1-5) recounts vision of the Prophet Isaiah. It assures that God would judge between nations. The reading also urges the House of Jacob and indeed all to walk in the light of the Lord.

In the second reading (Rom 13:11-14), St. Paul brings the dimension of urgency to the message. He invites the Romans to wake up because salvation is nearer to them than when they got converted. He maintains that the night is far gone and urges all to give up the works of darkness in order to put on the armour of light. He called on all to live a decent life and warned against drunkenness, orgies, promiscuity or licentiousness, wrangling or jealousy even as he encouraged the faithful to embrace the amour of Christ.