Breaking Open the Word

By James Cavanagh

Nov. 30: First Sunday of Advent

Scripture readings:
• Isaiah 63:16 – 64:7
• Psalm 80:2-3, 15-19
• 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
• Mark 13:33-37

Theme:  Watching and waiting.  The first reading was written shortly after the Jews had returned from their long exile in Babylon. Jerusalem lay in ruins and the Temple had not yet been rebuilt. Looking at the wreckage of a once-magnificent city, the prophet expresses deep grief for the sins of his people whose reluctance to repent had delayed restoration. It’s not just that Jerusalem was in ruins, but that the people were spiritually bankrupt: like “withered leaves carried away by the wind.” Isaiah begs the Lord to intervene: “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down!”  Five centuries later the same kind of spiritual impoverishment troubled Israel and the people were anxious for God to intervene. This week’s Gospel is about the parable of the gatekeeper who was assigned to keep watch until the owner of the house returned. His instruction to them—and to us—was “Be alert! Watch!”  Jesus told his followers to prepare themselves for the final eschatological crisis that would soon come. Followers of Christ wait for him and watch, not in fear, but in a spirit of joyful expectation because “they have been enriched in every way by the grace of God bestowed on them” (second reading).  We can look to “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” in hope because God is faithful.

Key verse: “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down!” (Is 64:1)

“Catechism of the Catholic Church”:  “Before his Ascension, Christ affirmed that the hour had not yet come for the glorious establishment of the messianic kingdom awaited by Israel which, according to the prophets, was to bring all men the definitive order of justice, love and peace. According to the Lord, the present time is the time of the Spirit and of witness, but also a time still marked by ‘distress’ and the trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers in the struggles of the last days. It is a time of waiting and watching” (No. 672).

Pope Benedict XVI:  “Today’s Gospel invites us to stay on guard as we await the final coming of Christ.  ‘Look around you!’ Jesus says. ‘You do not know when the master of the house is coming.’ The short parable of the master who went on a journey and the servants responsible for acting in his place highlights how important it is to be ready to welcome the Lord when he suddenly returns. Advent is the season in which Christians must rekindle in their hearts the hope that they will be able with God’s help to renew the world” (Angelus, Nov. 27, 2005).

Application: Advent marks the beginning of the Church year. Just as Isaiah prayed that God would “rend the heavens and come down” to renew the spiritual vitality of Israel, let us make the most of Advent by praying for a similar renewal in our lives, our parishes and our country.