1st Sunday of Advent – Year A: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima
Theme: What to Do as We Wait for Christ’s Coming
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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
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