At the onset of the Advent season, on the first Sunday, the Word of God reminded us that: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. That people will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
“Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk 21: 25–37).
In fact the last week of the ordinary year and on the last day that is Saturday, we have reflected on this Scripture. With the recent circumstances and happenings at the national and international level, can we say that the alarm bell is ringing to appraise us. Warning us to arise from our slumber and watch for His coming! To be conscious and alert, for Jesus doesn’t mince words, the end could come like a hunters net.
Yes, the prophet Isaiah foretold: ‘a voice cries in the desert prepare the way for the Lord! Make straight in the wastelands a highway for our God!’ John the Baptist the forerunner! Who too did not mince words like one of these, when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Every year God blesses us with another year to celebrate Christmas! Could we make this year’s Christmas a different one? In the Gospel of St Luke Chapter 3: 1-14, John the Baptist tells the do’s and the don’ts for the people of his time. Till date it’s not redundant or outdated!
For the Lord has said, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. Very often we hear “don’t think I have forgotten what you said”. Let’s not keep account of words that wound us; words that hurt, words through which relationships are torn apart. Rather, let us be attentive to listen to those words that have power to heal, power to bind and power to empower, to restore and to revive; words that influence change.
During this Season of Advent as we light the candles on the wreathe may it rekindle our hope, deepen our faith, resuscitate our joy and revive our love and thus give us lasting peace.
