PREPARE YOUR HEARTS FOR THE LORD’S COMING

Homily for the First Sunday of Advent, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19b; 64:2-7; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:33-37

The season of Advent begins today. Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent itself is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival,”. It is a sacred season marked by a dual character of both joyful expectation/anticipation and solemn reflection. It is a time when the Church turns its gaze towards the past, present, and future comings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; rather, it is a spiritual pilgrimage - a period of preparation and waiting that holds within its embrace the mystery of God’s incarnate love. It spans four weeks, symbolizing the centuries of longing and anticipation by the people of Israel that preceded the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem.

The readings of this first Sunday of Advent resonate with a collective cry of longing for the divine presence, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ and to be vigilant in our faith journey. The first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah echoes the heartfelt plea of a people yearning for the intervention of God. Isaiah wrote this passage in a time when the people of Judah were facing political instability and the threat of the Assyrian Empire was looming. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians, and now Judah faced the risk of invasion. In this passage, we find the prophet Isaiah speaking on behalf of the people, expressing a deep yearning for God’s intervention in their dire situation.

In Advent, like the people of Judah, the Church lives again through a period of expectancy, yearning, hope, and waiting. That is why in the Gospel reading, we are called to vigilance (Mark 13:33-37). Jesus’ words echo through the ages, urging us to stay awake and be alert, for we do not know the hour of the Master’s return. The imagery of a master entrusting his servants with specific tasks underscores the responsibility that comes with the anticipation of Christ’s arrival. Jesus’ call to vigilance is a reminder of our responsibility as stewards of God’s gifts. Our faith journey involves staying awake to his presence, living in accordance with his teachings, and being prepared for his return.

Still in the spirit of waiting, St. Paul in the second reading expresses thanksgiving for the Corinthian community and emphasizes the grace of God bestowed upon them. He points to the anticipation of the revealing of Christ and the enrichment of believers through his grace (1 Corinthians 1:3-9). Paul’s letter teaches us the importance of gratitude for the grace we have received through Christ. As such, as we await the coming of Christ, let us reflect on the ways in which his grace has enriched our lives.

Lastly, as we commence this Advent journey, may we embrace the themes of anticipation, preparation, and vigilance embedded in today’s readings. Let us be a community that ‘actively’ waits for the Lord, recognizing the transformative power of his grace and the joy that comes with his promised arrival. The metaphor of God as the potter and his people as the clay which we find in the first reading signifies a call to spiritual preparation and openness to transformation (Isaiah 64:8). It is a call for us to allow God to mold us into vessels ready to receive his grace. May this season be a time of profound spiritual renewal, and may we, with hearts full of hope, prepare to welcome the Christ child into our lives anew. Amen.