Waiting in Hope – Staying Eveready
Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; Psalm 80; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
(Feast of St. Francis Xavier)
Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap
Introduction: On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Hope. Some call it candle of prophecy to remember the prophets, those brave men of old who foretold of the coming of a King. Thousands of years before the birth of Christ, God sent prophets as messengers to let the world know that a new King was coming. It reminds us of the hope we have in the return of Christ. The Prophet Isaiah wrote: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Today we remember the prophets as they faithfully proclaimed the coming of a Saviour. May we be faithful to proclaim that a Saviour has come and His name is Jesus Christ.
False Prophets in Modern Times: In the late 19th Century in America, there was a wave of enthusiasm for prophecies predicting the actual date for Christ’s Second Coming. One such false prophet was an Adventist leader William Miller (1782-1849). And it is in his movement that both the Jehovah Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventists find their roots. Miller first predicted that Christ would return on 21st March 1842, but then revised the date to April 3, 1843 and again a new date – April 18, 1844. Undeterred by these failures, Miller came up with a third date – 22nd October 1844. Churches which did not accept this message were denounced as agents of “Babylon.” As doomsday approached, the Millerites began to prepare. One account notes: “Fields were left unharvested, shops were closed, people quit their jobs, paid their debts, and freely gave away their possessions with no thought of repayment.” William Miller himself began peddling white “ascension robes” to the faithful, many of whom waited for the miraculous event in freshly dug graves. Jesus says “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. (Mt. 24: 36; Mk 13: 32)
Reflection: For Christians, Advent is a time when we look forward to the Birth of Jesus two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem. However, it is also the time we look forward to the Hope we have in Christ’s Return. Today’s Gospel emphasizes three crucial points.
- Christ is Coming Again- Jesus gives us prophecy of hope here. He tells us of His second coming, and gives us a basic timeline to work with, while not giving us a date and time of any clarity. Why do you think Jesus doesn’t just come out and throw out a date? It’s because he himself does not know as we saw above in the gospels of Matthew and Mark.
- Reading the Seasonal Signs-The Parable of the Fig Tree. Just like a tree shows signs in the spring that summer is near, we are to look around and see signs that the end is coming. We don’t know at which exact day or hour, but we can tell when the season is coming. A man of God was working in his garden one day when a neighbour came by to visit. The neighbour attempted to jolt him by asking, “What would you be doing now, Sir, if you knew for certain Jesus would return today?” He said: “I would go right on doing what I’m doing.”
- The Hope of His Return- The end is coming, but we are not to know the day nor the hour. Our job is to watch and pray. We do not know the time or place, but after our birth, our bodies begin to die. So, we are to anticipate Christ’s return to us at our death. We are to be ready for Him when He returns. “A time is coming for all men when they will be either born again or wish they had never been born at all.” – anonymous.
Five Essential Attitudes needed during Advent:
- Tuning – God speaks when we least expect it. (Matt 3:17) And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We’re His sheep and we ought to hear His voice.
- Preparing– The Master will require an account of our lives when we least expect it Mk 13:36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.
- Readying– miracles will happen when you least expect them. Mt 9:20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.
- Expecting– Encounters with God will happen when we least expect them. Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Expectancy is the breeding ground for encounters.
- Welcoming Trials– they’re steppingstones to perfection (James 1:3). No test, no testimony. Earn Stars through scars.
Wish you a meaningful advent season!
