1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT – usus recentior
30 November & 1 December 2024
Today marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, and with it, we enter the sacred season of Advent. This is a season of preparation, expectation, and hope. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” During these weeks, we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s coming at Christmas, while also renewing our readiness for His final coming in glory at the end of time.
But there is a deeper mystery to Advent that St. Bernard of Clairvaux illuminates for us in his reflection on the three advents of Christ: His first advent in humility in the Incarnation, His final advent in glory at the end of time, and His continual advent in our hearts today, particularly in the Eucharist. These three comings of Christ form a perfect lens for reflecting on today’s readings and for guiding us as we begin this sacred season.
The First Advent: Christ’s Coming in Humility
The first coming of Christ is the event we will soon celebrate at Christmas: the Incarnation of the Son of God. St. Bernard reminds us that in this advent, Christ came in great humility, veiling His divinity in our human flesh. As Jeremiah proclaims in today’s first reading, God’s promise to send a saviour, a “righteous branch of David,” is fulfilled in Jesus. This Savior, Jeremiah tells us, will “execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 33:15).
What a profound mystery this is! The Creator of the universe became a helpless infant to dwell among us. He chose not to come with power and might but with vulnerability and love, to show us the way of humility and self-giving.
This season invites us to meditate on this first advent and to imitate Christ’s humility. As we prepare for Christmas, let us ask ourselves: How can I embrace humility in my life? How can I make room in my heart for Jesus to be born anew? This is a season for new beginnings, a time to let go of pride, selfishness, and sin, and to open ourselves to God’s transforming grace.
The Second Advent: Christ’s Coming in Glory
The Gospel reading today from Luke 21 shifts our gaze forward to Christ’s second coming, His final advent in glory. Jesus speaks of cosmic signs, upheavals, and the redemption that is drawing near. He warns us to “be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent” (Luke 21:36).
St. Bernard calls this second advent a time of awe and majesty, when Christ will come not in humility but in power to judge the living and the dead. This is the advent we profess in the Creed: “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Though the imagery of this advent can seem frightening, it is ultimately a message of hope. For those who are faithful, this will be the fulfilment of all God’s promises—a time when justice will prevail, when all creation will be restored, and when we will dwell with God forever. St. Paul, in today’s second reading, encourages the Thessalonians to be ready for this day by growing in holiness and love: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
As we contemplate the second advent, let us ask: Am I ready to meet Christ face to face? Advent is a time for conversion, for turning away from sin and embracing a life of holiness. It is a time to let go of distractions and anxieties, as Jesus warns, and to focus on what truly matters: living in love and preparing our hearts to welcome the Lord when He comes.
The Third Advent: Christ’s Coming in Our Hearts
St. Bernard teaches that between Christ’s first advent in Bethlehem and His final advent at the end of time, there is a third, invisible advent: His continual coming into the hearts of his disciples. This advent is the daily encounter with Christ in prayer, the sacraments, and acts of love. It is in this advent that the Lord sustains us and prepares us for the final coming. Additionally, we bring about Christ’s advent in the world when we, as the Body of Christ, take him with us into the world and into each of our encounters in our daily lives.
Jesus speaks of this third advent when He urges us to “be vigilant” and to “pray at all times.” Vigilance means more than watching the skies for signs; it means cultivating an open and receptive heart, ready to receive the Lord’s grace.
How does Christ come to us today? He comes in the Eucharist, where He offers His very Body and Blood to nourish us. He comes in the Scriptures, where His Word speaks to our hearts. He comes in the poor, the lonely, and the suffering, where His presence invites our compassion. We also bring him to others when we, as members of His Body, make him known in the world.
This third advent challenges us to live in constant expectation and hope, not just during Advent, but every day of our lives. It is an invitation to make every moment an encounter with Christ, and for every encounter with us to also be an encounter with Christ in us.
A Season of Hope and Renewal
As we embark on this Advent journey, we embrace the hope and renewal it offers. This is a time to look back with gratitude at Christ’s first advent, to look forward with joyful anticipation to His final advent, and to live fully in His presence today.
It is a time of hope for the weary. If you are burdened by life’s struggles, remember the promise of Jeremiah: God is faithful, and His plan for you is one of justice, peace, and salvation. Let this be a season of rekindled hope.
It is a time for conversion for the lost. If you feel far from God, know that Advent is a time for new beginnings. Like a father waiting for the prodigal son, God longs to welcome you home. Take the step of seeking reconciliation and starting anew. The confessional and the loving words of absolution and forgiveness are waiting for you.
It is a time of expectation for the faithful. For those striving to follow Christ, Advent is a time to deepen your faith and grow in love. St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians remind us to “abound in love” and to conduct ourselves in a way that pleases God.
Some practical ways to live the spirit of Advent in include renewing your time and space of daily prayer in your lives. Spend time in prayer each day, reflecting on the mystery of Christ’s coming. We can also deepen our love Sacred Scripture. Meditate on the Advent readings to prepare your heart for Christmas. This is also a time to be conscious and generous in our acts of charity. Reach out to those in need, recognising Christ in the poor and suffering. It is a time for approaching the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Take advantage of the sacrament of confession to make a fresh start. And this is also a time to renew our devotion to the that third coming of Christ in the Eucharist. Attend Mass regularly, receiving Christ who comes to us in the Eucharist. Perhaps, especially as we have our end of year breaks from school and work, we can as part of our rest and refreshment, come a few times during the week to Mass in addition to our Sunday obligation, and experience this Advent more frequently.
As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, symbolising hope, we are reminded the light of Christ that shines in the darkness. Let us heed the call to vigilance, conversion, and love, living each day in joyful expectation of the Lord’s coming. May this Advent season lead us to a deeper encounter with Christ, in His humility, His glory, and His abiding presence in our hearts. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.