Contents
Understanding advent
Etymologically, the term advent derives from the Latin advĕntum, ‘arrival’ and advenīre ‘to arrive.’ Hence, it is a period or moment of expectation for something momentous. In our context, that is, in the religious or Christian context, Advent is a pre-Christmas period. It is the period including the four Sundays before the feast of Christmas. In its original meaning, the word advent means arrival, coming of a thing, an event or of an important personality. Majority of Christian denominations observe these weeks as time of prayer, abstinence and spiritual renewal in preparation for the feast of Christmas, the arrival of the Anointed One of God – Jesus, the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one of God).…
Why be Watchful?
In keeping to the law of cause and effect, we need to understand the reason for Jesus’ invitation to be watchful. The theme of this Sunday reading is a continuation of the initial theme of Matthew 24, which is presented by Luke in 21:5–19. As I noted in that reflection, “the content of Luke 21:5–19 is also found in Matthew 24:1–25 and Mark 13:1–23.” Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 are eschatological narrations. Continuing his explanations concerning the end of time, and responding to the disciples’ interrogation “when will these things be” (Matt 24:3), Jesus responded “but of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matt 24:36). Yes, it is an exclusive knowledge of the Father. Explaining further on why people should not waste their time predicting the end of time, Jesus continues “for as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man…. before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage…” (Matt 24:37–38). While predicting is a sign of passiveness, watchfulness is a sign of activeness. To avoid the surprise of the days of Noah, Jesus encourages his disciples and every believer to stay awake because they do not know the day the Lord will come (cf. Mark 13:33.35; Matt 24:42). Therefore, the reason for the invitation to watchfulness and alertness is to avoid being taken by surprise and to avoid ‘had I known.’ Again, the second reason is to avoid being deceived by false prophets. Unfortunately, many have failed to read the writing on the wall.
Conclusion
The Christian advent is a period of great expectation. According to Isaiah, it is a period of divine consolation and encouragement. Today, we have many reasons to thank God. However, we also have many reasons to be consoled and encouraged, especially in this country called Nigeria. The expectation to.…
FOR DETAILS, GET YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE BOOK “THE WORD OF LIFE: SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I and II)!! The reflection for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B is found on vols I and II pages 1–10 (vol. I) and 1–6 (vol. II). Happy reading!
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