001 First Sunday of Advent

Readings

Cycle B First Sunday of Advent

Old Testament: Isaiah 63: 16-17, 19, 64: 2-7

Psalm: 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

Gospel: Mark 13: 33 - 37

Homily Theme
Be Watchful!

In the gospel this Sunday, we are told by Jesus to be watchful and to be alert. We do not know the time or the day when He will return. This is the true meaning of Advent for us who believe in that first Christmas when God took flesh in the form of a baby born of the Virgin Mary. When He returns, it will be as a judge for those who have not been watchful for His second coming or alert to the teaching He gave us.

This Sunday, the Church begins the season of Advent and also a new liturgical year. It is the busiest time of the year for most people as they rush around buying Christmas gifts and the lights to decorate their homes. Thousands will line up to storm the department stores after midnight on Black Friday. They will be watchful for the bargains that they hope to purchase cheaply as they search the shelves and push through the clamoring crowd. We will also be enticed by hundreds of different advertisements on television and the radio. As Christians, be watchful for those stores who refuse to mention Christmas and change the words of the carols in their ads.

As Christians who believe in the true meaning of Christmas, let us resolve to really witness to the meaning of the season to those who have never known it or have ceased to believe in it. Our secular world has been very forceful in trying to change the whole meaning of the season. Don’t let this happen. We must be watchful and alert every time we notice the secularization of the season is happening. Let us witness to Jesus who will come again as judge of all mankind each time we are greeted with Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Be watchful and alert when this happens. Reply for all to hear, “Happy Holy Days to you, also.” Avoid those stores and advertisers who refuse to acknowledge that America is a Christian country and that this season is a holy one for us. In this way, we can be instruments to make more people watchful, alert and aware of God’s love for mankind in becoming one of us at Christmas.

Be watchful and alert as you pass the homes with Christmas lights and remember that Jesus is the true light that came into the world and that He will come again when we least expect Him. He will come like a thief in the night. Are you ready to greet Him when He does? If not, we have this season of Advent to prepare for His coming. Be alert and watchful for the signs of His coming and enjoy this holy season as you do so. God is watchful as He sees our witness and He will bless those of us who have the courage to bring back holiness to the season.

Make this Advent a special one for you and your children. Keep Watch with the family. Jesus will be watching you. Make sure that you expose your young children to a very special Advent so that the Christmas that follows will be special also.