FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (B)

Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.

Mk 13:33-37

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The theme of the Gospel of the First Sunday of Advent is the end of the present age and the beginning of a new world, the end of time and the beginning of eternity, the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Jesus Christ as King and Judge.

Jesus Christ is king even now but it is not obvious. At the end of the present age, his kingship will be seen by everyone. He will also judge everyone who was ever born. Evil people will go to hell. Good people will go to heaven.

The resurrection of the dead means that body and soul will be re-united. But the body will be transformed so that it can no longer get sick, nor age nor die. And with the transformation of the body, the present world will also be transformed. How will the new world look like, we do not know. The transformation of good people will actually be the same as the transformation of Jesus Christ at his resurrection.

When Jesus returns, time will also come to an end and eternity will begin. Philosophy explains time as the succession of before and after. Eternity therefore means there will no longer be a before and an after. It will always be now. What does that mean? It simply means there will be no change. That is why if you go to heaven you will always be happy. Unlike here on earth, there is change. One time you are happy. At another time you are sad.

What is the teaching that Jesus gives us regarding his second coming and the end of the old word? He says that we should be on guard and stay awake. Be like the door keeper who is always ready to open the door no matter at what time the master of the house will come.

Why is this the theme of Advent when Advent is supposed to be a four-week preparation for Christmas?

First, Advent means coming. But the first part of Advent is about the second coming of Jesus as King and Judge at the end of time. It is the first part that is a preparation for his second coming. This second coming is called the Parousia. The second part of Advent is about the first coming of Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem. It is in this second part that is strictly speaking devoted to preparing for Christmas.

Advent is a four-week preparation. That is why there are four candles in the Advent wreath. Except for one candle, all three are violet because violet is the color of preparation. But one candle is pink. This candle is lighted on the Third Sunday of Advent. And it is called Gaudete Sunday or Sunday of Rejoicing because as we say in the Philippines, “Ilang tulugan na lang, Pasko na!”

The preparation of Advent is, of course, spiritual and it involves conversion. That is why the liturgical color of Advent is violet as I have said. The liturgical color of Advent and Lent is violet. Is there any difference? Yes, there is. While the period of Lent is low-key, the period of Advent is joyful.

How do we put into practice the teaching of Jesus to be on guard and to stay awake for his second coming?

I see a bit of a problem. While it is entirely possible that the second coming will take place in our lifetime, it is more probable that our death will come first. In other words, it is more practical to prepare for death rather than for the Parousia. However, the spiritual preparation for death is practically the same as the spiritual preparation for the Parousia. So that simplifies matters.

So how do we prepare ourselves spiritually for death and for the Parousia? Just follow this principle: live in such a way that you are always ready to face the judgment seat of God.

Are you living a good Christian life? Go ahead being a good Christian. Huwag pabayaan ang sarili na maligaw ng landas. Are you living a sinful life? Don’t wait for tomorrow to change. Don’t say: “Saka na lang.” Do it now. Now na! Is there someone that you are not at peace with? Take steps now to reconcile. Is there a grudge that you have been keeping inside you for so long? Let it go. Let it go. Move on with your life. Is there a bad habit that has taken hold of you? It may take you a long time to shake it off. But a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Take that step now. Are you not at peace with God? Take steps to return to him. Magbalik-loob sa Diyos. Take the first steps now to do that.

We go to the cemetery at least once a year on the occasion of Undas or Todos los Santos. In a cemetery somewhere in Scotland, a visitor saw this inscription on a tombstone: Consider, friend, as you pass by: As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you too shall be. Prepare, therefore, to follow me.

How do we prepare for death and for the Parousia? Live in such a way that you are always ready to face the judgment seat of God. And if you are not yet ready, fix your life. Do it now.