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 1st Sunday of Advent – Year A: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: What to Do as We Wait for Christ’s Coming

Readings: Is 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-14a; Mt 24:37-44

Dear friends in Christ, this Sunday marks the beginning of a new liturgical year (Year A) and the season of Advent. Advent is a time of special preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ. It is a four-week journey leading up to Christmas, and it prepares us in these three distinct ways:

• First, to celebrate the historical birth of Jesus in Bethlehem – His first coming in history at Christmas.
• Second, to welcome Christ’s daily coming into our lives through the Sacraments, the Scriptures, and the worshipping community.
• Third, to be ready for His glorious Second Coming at the end of time, when He will judge the living and the dead and reward the just.

1. Preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth

The birth of Christ changed the course of history, inaugurating the reign of God’s kingdom. Christmas is not simply a cultural festivity; it is the celebration of the Saviour who freed us from darkness through His love and sacrifice. The Church dedicates Advent to prepare us spiritually for this celebration so that we may be renewed in grace and filled with God’s blessings. To share in the blessings of Christmas, we must prepare spiritually: through prayer, repentance, and good works.

Sadly, many people focus only on material preparations – decorations, gifts, parties – while neglecting the spiritual. This is why they miss the deeper joy and grace of Christmas. The Church calls us to prepare spiritually: cleansing our hearts, healing broken relationships, opening our arms to the poor, and reconciling ourselves with God if we want to share in the deeper joy and grace of Christmas.

2. Welcoming Christ’s daily coming

Advent also reminds us that Christ comes to us every day in mystery. He visits us in the Sacraments, in the Word of God, and in the community of believers. He comes into our families and workplaces to bring peace and blessing. Yet, too often, we turn away because of indifference or sin. Advent is a reminder that Jesus is near, that He comes to us every day, and that we must prepare ourselves for this daily encounter.

3. Preparing for Christ’s Second Coming

Advent also points us to Christ’s glorious return at the end of time when He will judge the living and the dead, rewarding the just with eternal life and punishing the wicked with eternal separation. This first Sunday of Advent renews our hope that our Saviour will come again, and that we will meet Him at the end of our lives.

The Gospel reminds us that this second coming will be sudden and unexpected, just as in the days of Noah. People were busy eating, drinking, marrying, and working—necessary activities of life—but they ignored the warning of the flood. Their mistake was not the activities themselves, but their neglect of spiritual preparation.

In the same way, our daily work is necessary for survival, but we must not forget our souls. The Church warns us not to live as the people of Noah’s time, distracted by material concerns. Vigilance is the key: we must remain spiritually awake, knowing that our earthly life will one day end and we will meet Christ face to face. So, what shall we do?

Walking in the light of the Lord

The prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, exhorts us to walk in the light of the Lord as we prepare to welcome Christ. He calls us to transform instruments of destruction into tools of peace – swords into ploughshares. Practically, this means using our resources for life‑giving purposes—feeding the poor instead of funding conflicts, promoting community development instead of violence, and using our words to build peace rather than destroy families. We cannot prepare to welcome Christ while planning harm to our neighbours.

Casting off the works of darkness

St. Paul, in the second reading, speaks to us directly, urging us to abandon the works of darkness and live as children of the day. He reminds us that salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Death can come at any time; therefore, readiness is essential.

Paul exhorts us: “Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light… put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This means rejecting gossip, drunkenness, jealousy, immorality, and violence, and instead clothing ourselves with love, righteousness, peace, charity, and truth.

So, as you prepare your Christmas garments – coats, dresses, festive attire – remember also to “sew” spiritual garments of love, forgiveness, humility, and holiness. These are the true clothes of a Christian.

Conclusion

Dear friends, Advent is a season of vigilance, hope, and joyful preparation. Let us not be distracted by material concerns alone but prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming – in history, in mystery, and in glory. If we remain awake, walking in the light and casting off darkness, then when He comes, He will find us ready, and our joy will be complete.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima