FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT A

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MORE THAN JOEMARIE CHAN

MT 24: 37-44

 


 

It has been customary in the Philippines to wait for the voice of singer Josemari Chan come September. Just the name reminds us of his popular song: Christmas in our Hearts. September, they say, heralds the start of the season in our country, where Christmas is truly much anticipated.

 

However, ordinary people are no longer hooked into this very early “season’s spirit” as much as the eager entrepreneurs, the lavishly decorated malls, and the moneyed rich who come to shop for gifts and ornaments. Simple folks argue that you cannot join the excitement when you have no money to buy gifts or food; some even say the Christmas spirit is only for the rich.

 

How can we as Christians celebrate the season of Advent away from the allure of bargains, sales and promos? How do we maintain the right disposition of preparing for the coming of the Lord, not only on Christmas day, but in his mysterious coming to our daily lives, at every moment?

 

First, we have the liturgical preparation. Notice that this Sunday there will be some changes in the church. The dominant color is purple, reminding us of the spirit of penance which we are all called to take up to welcome the Lord. If we pay attention to the readings, we will hear about being ready at all times, the need for conversion, and the joy of welcoming the visitation of the Lord, who inspires and strengthens us in the midst of daily trials.

 

Second, we have the spiritual preparation. Moments for prayerful reflection will be available through recollections, conferences, or preaching. These will make us realize the value of this period as a call to stop awhile and quietly soak in the goodness of the Lord, the truth of his promises, and the faithfulness of his love. These will aid us in entering into deep contact with the Lord in prayer and so discover that the real meaning of the season is not partying, spending, or accumulating, but growing in love and service.

 

Lastly, we have the communitarian preparation. The commercial aspect of Christmas focuses our attention on ourselves or on our small groups of family and friends. The coming of the Lord challenges us to break free from self-referential concerns to self-abnegation and self-giving. Like Jesus, we can give, share, and offer joy, peace, forgiveness and welcome to those around us, but especially to the poor.

 

Thank you Joemari for your song… but above all, thank You, Lord for the chance to encounter you again in a profound, life-changing way through the liturgy, spirituality and community aspects of Advent. Amen.

 

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