Breaking Open the Word
By James Cavanagh
Nov. 28: The First Sunday of Advent
Scripture readings:
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Psalm 122:1-9
- Romans 13:11-14
- Matthew 24:37-44
Overview:
This Sunday marks the beginning of a new year, liturgically. The first Sunday of Advent overlaps thematically with last Sunday: the solemnity of Christ the King when “last things” and the lordship of Christ predominated.
From the second Sunday of Advent on, the focus shifts to the birth of Christ. Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during a difficult time in Israel’s history. The region was wracked by war. The northern kingdom was being torn apart by Assyria and the southern kingdom, Judah, was under siege. Jerusalem also suffered from internal threats including religious syncretism, political intrigue and injustice. Isaiah pronounces God’s judgment, but he also has a word of hope. His vision describes the Messianic age when God will reign, war will end and the world will finally know peace. Genuine and lasting peace depends not on any human program, but on God.
Paul wrote to the Church in Rome (second reading) when everyone expected the imminent return of Christ. Though the world around us be dark, Paul urges us to “wake up!” and “put on the armor of light” by living morally exemplary lives.
In this week’s Gospel Jesus warns the disciples that the Son of Man will come suddenly and without warning, like the flood in the days of Noah. The old order will give way to a “new heaven and a new earth” where the Lord will reign forever. Not knowing when or how all this will take place, he says, we are to stay awake, watch and pray.
Key verse:
“Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).
“Catechism of the Catholic Church”:
“In Jesus ‘the Kingdom of God is at hand’ he calls his hearers to conversion and faith, but also to watchfulness. In prayer the disciple keeps watch, attentive to Him Who Is and Him Who Comes, in memory of his first coming in the lowliness of the flesh, and in the hope of his second coming in glory” (No. 2612).
Pope Benedict XVI:
“Peace is both gift and task. If it is true that peace between individuals and peoples calls for unfailing commitment on our part, it is also true, and indeed more so, that peace is a gift from God. Peace is an aspect of God’s activity, made manifest both in the creation of an orderly and harmonious universe and also in the redemption of humanity that needs to be rescued from the disorder of sin” (Message for World Day of Peace, Jan. 1, 2007).
Life application:
Advent is an ideal time to rededicate yourself to prayer. Not only is it the beginning of a new liturgical year, it’s a time of quiet watchfulness. Today’s readings, especially the first reading, remind us that the true peace can only be found in God. The first step in the path to peace, therefore, is prayer. And the first step in prayer is silence. As Blessed Mother Teresa said, “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace.”
James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. For information on subscribing to "Breaking Open the Word, click here. For archives click here.
