BE HOPEFUL IN SPIRIT AND VIGILANT AT HEART

Homily for the First Sunday of Advent, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25–28, 34–36

Today we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent - a season of joyful anticipation and spiritual preparation. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It is a time of dual focus: we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ at Christmas and look forward to his second coming at the end of time. Advent calls us to be vigilant, to awaken our hearts to God’s presence, and to renew our commitment to live as children of the light. Each of the four Sundays of Advent carries a unique theme. On this First Sunday, the Church invites us to reflect on hope - hope in God’s promises and the fulfillment of his salvation plan. As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, let us allow this hope to dispel the darkness of our fears, anxieties, and uncertainties.

Our first reading, from Jeremiah 33:14-16, takes us back to a time of profound crisis for the people of Judah. The Babylonian Empire was at its peak, and Jerusalem was under siege. The Temple, the symbol of God’s presence among his people, was destroyed in 587 BCE, and the people were exiled to Babylon. The nation’s leadership had failed, and the covenant seemed broken. Amid this turmoil and despair, Jeremiah, known, “weeping prophet,” spoke words of hope and restoration to the people.

In that passage, God declared that He would fulfill the promise He made to Israel and Judah through David (2 Samuel 7:12–16). He spoke of raising up a “righteous Branch” from David’s line, a king who will execute justice and righteousness in the land. This promise offered a glimmer of hope to a people who had lost everything. It reminded them that God’s covenant is unbreakable, even in their darkest moments. In our moments of despair, we too are called to trust in God’s fidelity and faithfulness. Just as the Israelites awaited their Redeemer with hope, we are invited during Advent to wait with joyful expectation, knowing that God always fulfills his promises despite our unfaithfulness.

This prophecy found its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, who is from the line of David. In Luke 1:32-33, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her son will inherit the throne of David and reign forever. Jesus is the righteous king Jeremiah foretold, whose reign is marked not by political conquest but by justice, peace, and salvation. In Christ, the justice Jeremiah envisioned took on a deeper meaning. It is not just about fairness in human terms but about restoring humanity’s broken relationship with God. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a new covenant, one that fulfills the law and the prophets. Through Him, we are reconciled with God and made heirs to his eternal kingdom.

The Gospel reading exhorts us to be watchful and prepared. Jesus described cosmic signs and upheavals that would accompany his return. These images may seem terrifying, but they carry a message of hope: redemption is near. As followers of Christ, we are not called to fear but to be vigilant and stand erect with confidence, trusting in God’s promises. Vigilance means living each day as if it were our last - not in fear, but with a sense of purpose and readiness to meet the Lord. In our modern lives, distractions abound. From endless entertainment to the pressures of work, it is easy to lose focus on what truly matters. Jesus reminds us that our ultimate goal is not success or comfort but union with God.

In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that waiting is an active process. As we wait on the Lord, we are not to be idle or distracted by the anxieties and pleasures of this world. Instead, we are called to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming. This preparation involves deepening our prayer life, turning away from sin, and living out our faith through acts of love and mercy. During this busy season, the temptation to focus solely on external preparations for Christmas - shopping, decorating, and feasting - can overshadow the inner preparation of our hearts. Paul reminds us that Advent is a time to focus on our spiritual readiness. 

Lastly, as we journey through this season of Advent, let us embrace the call to watchfulness and hope. The righteous Branch has come, and he will come again. Let us prepare our hearts to welcome him, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives. May this season lead us to a deeper encounter with Christ, the King of our hearts and the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Amen.