A Reflection on the Readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent 2007

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

The readings for the First Sunday of Advent admonish us to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. The focus of our preparations is twofold. Not only do we look forward with joy to the celebration of the Birth of Jesus, but we are also strongly reminded that someday, at an hour we do not expect, the Son of Man will come again to judge nations and peoples.

How are we to live during these periods of watchful waiting and expectation? In the first reading, Isaiah lets us know in no uncertain terms that we are to "walk in the light of the Lord" (v5). If all of us everywhere did this, radical things would begin to happen. For example, training for wars would cease. God's peace would reign. Without need for armaments, swords and spears could be beaten into plowshares and pruning hooks. The Peaceable Kingdom will have arrived.

In his Letter to the Romans, Paul goes even further and states that we need to "throw off the works of darkness" (v.12). The armor that we put on will be the armor of light. Because the day is now at hand, we are to conduct ourselves properly; giving up our sins and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel, Matthew sees the coming of the Son of Man as similar to the days before the flood of Noah's time. People were so caught up in their daily lives, they had no idea what was to occur until the rains came and the flood carried them away. Thus, Matthew reminds his readers: "...Stay awake! For you do not know which day your Lord will come" (v.42).

We strive then, during this Advent Season, to be alert, to be watchful, to prepare and to walk in God's Light. We want that Light to illuminate our lives; as well as, to shine in the lives of everyone we come in contact with.