Time
moves quickly! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now the focus is on
Christmas; shopping, decorating, sending cards, parties.
It is all
good – but the church also urges us to prepare our souls, our hearts for Christmas
– after all – Christmas means Mass of Christ, and Jesus is the reason for the
season!
That’s
why the church insists upon the season of Advent – Latin word – Adventus –
Coming – the coming of Christ.
Most
believe that he did come – in history – in Bethlehem – born of Mary. But what
makes Bethlehem so important is what happened in Jerusalem.
Most
again agree that he was put to death by Pontius Pilate - but then what? The
Bible records 11 different appearances by the Risen Christ – once to 500 people.
They began to realize that what happened in Bethlehem was no ordinary birth – but
the coming of the Son of God. The Word
became flesh – God became one of us – which changes everything!
If he is
Risen, he is still with us. So, we believe that Jesus comes to us even today,
in Mystery.
1) When the Bible is read, we say: The
Word of the Lord or The Gospel of the Lord. God is still speaking to us – why the
Bible is read to us every time we gather!
2) When Sacraments are celebrated –
Jesus is at work: Baptism – new life, Reconciliation – forgiveness,
Confirmation – sending Spirit, Anointing – healing. Center is the Eucharist –
Bread and Wine become his very Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity.
3) When two or three gathers in his name
4) In the poor – whatever you did, you
did for me.
He will
come again in glory -in Majesty – when – we do not know – we wait in joyful
expectation – so we get ready.
Many
paintings with Saints show a skull – the idea is – remember that life is short –
live in the light of God. We call this “sub specie aeternitatis” View
everything under the aspect of eternity – is this action going to get me into heaven
or increase darkness in my life or the life of others. How will this appear on the
day of judgment? Very good to go to
confession every now and then – to keep sin in check.
So – 3 comings
– History – Mystery – Majesty. Advent keeps us focused on the true meaning of
Christmas – to prepare the way of the Lord!
