27 November 2022 - First Sunday of Advent

Theme

This week is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the season of the Christian Calendar where we prepare in anticipation for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas. This week’s readings speak about God’s people preparing for the coming Salvation of God. Isaiah prophesies about the last days where all wars will cease and God’s peace will reign. The Psalmist sings and prays for God to bring peace to Jerusalem. In Romans, Paul encourages God’s people to live righteously as they await the coming day of Salvation. In Matthew, Jesus warns the people to keep watch and be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.

Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 2:1-5 - Isaiah prophesies that in the last days, God’s mountain will stand the tallest. People from all Nations will stream there to worship. God will mediate between Nations and all wars will cease.
  • Psalm 122 - A Psalm that pilgrims sang while traveling to Jerusalem, declaring how joyful it is to be there and praying for God’s peace to take over.
  • Romans 13:11-14 - The Apostle Paul claims that the day of Salvation is almost here. Therefore, the people should stop indulging in sin and rather live righteously in the presence of Christ.
  • Matthew 24:36-44 - Jesus talks about the coming of the Son of Man. He explains that no-one knows the day except the Father, but suggests that it will be like the days of Noah. Therefore the people must keep watch and be prepared.

Personal Application

As we begin a new year in the liturgical calendar, we are given an opportunity to re-evaluate our lives and prepare in anticipation for the salvation that comes with the incarnation of Christ.

In Matthew’s gospel reading, Jesus reminds us that no-one knows when the Son of Man will return, but we should ensure that we are prepared. Paul urges us to do this by avoiding evil and living righteously. Living righteously and seeking truth makes us open and susceptible to the salvation that God offers.

As we take stock of our lives during this Advent season, how do we ensure that we are best prepared to receive and live into the salvation that Christ offers?

Communal Application

The Psalm for this week is a beautiful song about the peace and joy that God brings to God’s people. It is a song that we can still declare as the Church today.

The world is in desperate need of the hope, love, joy and peace that God’s salvation brings. This week’s readings remind us of the Church’s role in declaring, living and praying for this Salvation to permeate the world.

Our Churches can and should find creative ways to express our gratitude to God along with the Psalmist as we pray for God’s peace to reach every corner of the Church and the world.

How can our Churches become active agents of hope in the world as we await Christ’s return and God’s ultimate salvation?

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