Prepare ye the way of the Lord ~ Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent (C)

First Sunday of Advent (C)

Jer 33:14-16

Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14, (1b)

1 Thess 3:12-4:2

Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Today, the First Sunday of Advent, we are reminded once again that someday, there will be signs in the heavens and on earth that the Son of Man is returning.  We are told that we must not be asleep but to be ready for his coming. (Lk 21:25ff).

But on this First Sunday of Advent, we are also preparing for another coming: the birth of a Child, the Anointed one of God.  In the first reading from Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of God's promise that he will "raise up for David a just shoot; He will do what is just and right in the land."  What can this mean except that from the house of David, a Savior will be born.

The psalmist responds with joy at recognizing that our God is a saving God who shows sinners the way to salvation.  Just as the psalmist does, we also pray, "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me..." (Ps 25:4 ff).  And then we add that beautiful response:

"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." (Ps 25:1b)