This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent, which opens a new liturgical year for the Church. This is a season of hope and joy when we prepare ourselves to welcome the birth of the Lord Jesus. The term “Advent” comes from Latin word, “Adventus,” which means “appearance” or “arrival.” The season is not only a time of preparation, but also of expectant waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This Second Coming was promised by him and is also an anticipated hope of all creation, hoping for a better “future” in Christ in full communion with the Lord.
The theme of the first Sunday of Advent is Awake and we should always stay alert because we do not know when the Lord Jesus will come. We must also reflect and review our daily lives and see whether we treat people and deal with matters according to Christian values, or whether we have done a disservice to our family or friends. The most important thing is whether we have honoured God.
Indeed, we will encounter temptations in life. Staying awake allows us to see them clearly, reject the things which affect or tempt us, make good use of the talents bestowed by God, be well prepared at all times and achieve the fruitful outcome required by God. Only in this way can we enter our Father’s home and receive eternal reward. Faith helps us to stay awake and recognise the signs of the presence of the Lord Jesus on earth. For example, in the poor and the needy, we can discover the presence of Jesus, and encounter him in our lives and sanctify ourselves as well as others.
We may live the spirit of Advent in two ways. Firstly, cleanse our spirit, frequently receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation make a sincere repentance and penance. On the other hand, we must also learn to forgive those who have offended us, allow faith and hope to strengthen our willpower in Christ. Secondly, we must learn to be grateful by showing thankfulness to God, our parents and all patrons, and welcome the Coming of Jesus Christ through contrition and renewal.
A candle is lit each Sunday in Advent to symbolise the light of Christ, who is the light of life. This light reminds us that we are one week closer to the birth of the Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). As the new liturgical year begins, we should act now and set a concrete plan of faith formation and spirituality for the coming year.
As John Cardinal Tong encourages the faithful in his Advent pastoral letter, we should actively take part in the parish renewal campaign being promoted by the diocese, pray fervently, study the Word frequently, commit ourselves to evangelisation, care for the disadvantaged and live out the real Christian spirit. SE
