Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
Theme: “THERE WILL BE SIGNS IN THE SUN, THE MOON, AND THE STARS”
By: Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu
Homily for Sunday November 28 2021
This is the first Sunday of Advent. It is a time of expectation and a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. As this time approaches, we must prepare ourselves spiritually so that the Lord will find willing hearts to dwell in. The readings of this Sunday also indicate that the coming of the Lord is very close at hand. He comes to fulfil the promise he made to the house of Israel (Jer. 33:14-16). This promise is being renewed in our time, for he will be our God and we are his chosen people. The people of the new covenant which is sealed with his blood.
Like Paul, we need words of hope and encouragement as we await the coming of the Lord. We are expected to show love for one another, not being judgmental or condemnatory since the Lord is the ultimate judge. Given the fact that the coming of the Lord marks the end of time, we shall not be terrified or discouraged. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all…” (1Thes. 3:12-4:2). His love is everlasting.
The end is always very uncertain, but those who persevere to the end shall smile with joy. In this sense, the second coming of the Lord might not be as we expect. On the contrary, there shall be terrifying signs and wonders. “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay” (Lk. 21:25-28ff). These terrifying heavenly bodies such as the sun and the moon, with changing appearances symbolically draw our attention to what the end shall look like. It calls us to be vigilant and be ready at all times for the coming of the Lord. These terrifying figures call our attention to identify the Lord coming to us in the poor and the needy. It is a time for us to pray more, do acts of charity, and to help others. A time when things are done with caution in anticipation of greater things to come. Happy Sunday.
Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu